Neglecting the “Thank You”


Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)
11As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. 12As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, 13crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
15One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” 16He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.
17Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? 18Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”


Have you ever done something for somebody only to have that person neglect to thank you? How did that make you feel? Do you wonder if that person appreciated your efforts?

In today’s passage, Jesus heals 10 men, but only one returns to thank him. What, do you think, happened to the other nine? As lepers, they had to live in seclusion outside the city, so when they saw their healing, they probably got all excited and rushed to be reunited with their family members. They probably ran from person to person telling them of their good fortune. But they forgot to acknowledge Jesus, who made it all possible.


Who do you need to thank for something he or she has done for you? In what ways do you express gratitude to God? Tomorrow, for what will you express thanksgiving?

