The Virtue of Gratitude

Introduction: Gratitude is quite possibly one of the more underrated virtues one can possess. It is also quite possibly one of the more rare virtues found in society, Christians included. I would argue it is underrated because I believe many people may underestimate the effect genuine thankfulness can have on another person. I would argue it is rare because I believe many people do not practice intentional expression of thankfulness even if they are genuinely thankful for something (or someone). This event from the life of Christ shines a spotlight on the connection between a changed heart and thankful heart.

1. Go to Jesus for mercy (11-14)

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, but he was passing between Samaria and Galilee; see John 4:3-4, “he had to pass through Samaria”

Ten leprous men met Him as he entered a village

they stood at a distance because of their uncleanness

they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Jesus saw them and responded immediately

“Go and show yourselves to the priests”; this was standard procedure IF YOU HAD BECOME WELL

Jesus did NOT tell them he would heal them; he gave them a test of faith; they had called him Master

The Gospel of Luke i. The Grateful Samaritan 17:11–19

The command to go to the priests is a test of faith and obedience. It also implies that the completion of the cure took place at a distance without Jesus having touched the men

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary Q. The Ten Lepers (17:11–19)

He did not come to them or touch them. He did not even say, ‘You are cured!’ He told them, leprous as they were, to go and show themselves to the priests, the normal procedure when a leper was cured. The priest acted as a kind of health inspector to certify that the cure had in fact taken place (Lev. 14:2ff.). Jesus was putting their faith to the test by asking these men to act as though they had been cured. And as they obeyed so it happened

As they were going, they were healed; they needed to demonstrate their faith by their actions

2. Go to Jesus with gratitude (15-16)

Only one of the ten lepers went back to thank Jesus for healing him

This one “turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice”

He fell on his face at the feet of Jesus, “giving thanks to Him.”

“AND HE WAS A SAMARITAN”; this is intended to point out the irony; Jews should have known better

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary Q. The Ten Lepers (17:11–19)

His praising of God shows that he saw the hand of God in the cure and that he was ready to let everybody know about it.

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary Q. The Ten Lepers (17:11–19)

If people do not give thanks quickly, they usually do not do so at all.

3. Go to Jesus for salvation (17-19)

Jesus responded to the Samaritan who returned to thank him for being healed

Weren’t all ten of you healed? Where are the other nine?; RHETORICAL QUESTIONS

The Gospel of Luke i. The Grateful Samaritan 17:11–19

The non-Jew with no religious privileges has shown a better understanding of the situation than the Jews.

Is this “foreigner” the only one who bothered to come back and give glory to God?; SHAME!!

Jesus displays grace and mercy to the one who indicates of change of heart

Jesus tells the Samaritan, literally, “Your faith has saved you.”

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary Q. The Ten Lepers (17:11–19)

All were cleansed and had an equal motive for gratitude. It might have been expected that all would give praise to God. But apparently the nine were so absorbed in their new happiness that they could not spare a thought for its source.

New Testament III: Luke Bless the Helper for Benefits Received

You recall that he loved the one who was thankful, but he was angry with the ungrateful ones, because they did not acknowledge their Deliverer. They thought more highly of their cure from leprosy than of him who had healed them.…

The Gospel of Luke i. The Grateful Samaritan 17:11–19

The story does not necessarily imply that the other nine lacked faith; the point is rather that their faith was incomplete because it did not issue in gratitude.

Luke: An Introduction and Commentary Q. The Ten Lepers (17:11–19)

Full restoration means a saved soul as well as a sound body.

Conclusion: We have before us now perhaps the most perfect opportunity to practice genuine thankfulness and gratitude. As we prepare to observe communion at the Lord’s table, I want to encourage us all to spend a few moments examining our hearts and lives. We come to the table to remember the most profound sacrifice ever made in all of human history. If we do not have deep, genuine gratitude in our hearts when we come to this table, then that should give us great cause to be alarmed. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow. Thank you, Jesus!