The greatness of gratitude

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God. – Luke 17:15

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when the lepers approached Him. Standing at a distance, as lepers were required to do so, they called to Him: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" (Luke 17:13).

When Jesus saw them, He commanded, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they journeyed, they were healed.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him. "Where are the nine?" Jesus asked, Good question.

Jesus referred to the grateful man as a Samaritan – an outsider – perhaps to underscore His saying that "the sons of this world are more shrewd . . . . than the sons of light" (16:8). The word translated "shrewd" means "thoughtful." Sometimes people of the world have better manners than Jesus’ followers do.

In the busyness of life, we may forget to give thanks. Someone has done something for us – given a gift, performed a task, delivered a timely sermon, provided a word of counsel or comfort. But we fail to say thanks.

Has someone done something for this week? Give that friend a call or send a thank-you note. After all, "Love has good manners" (1 Cor. 13:15 Phillips). – David Roper

We thank You, Lord, for blessings
You give us on our way;
May we for these be grateful,
And praise You every day. – Rosworth

READ: Luke 17:11-19

We don’t need more to be thankful for – we just need to be more thankful.

The Bible in one year:

• Exodus 21-22
• Matthew 19