Where Are the Other Nine?

On the way to Jerusalem, he (Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers . . . Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19 ESV

Ten lepers, outcasts on death row. Ten men in need of healing. Ten souls whose destiny lay in the hands of the man making his way toward Jerusalem. He was their only hope. So they raised their voices and called out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

All ten were healed on their way to show themselves to the priest. One minute, they were dying, the very next minute their bodies were whole again. An answer to their prayers. A miracle for ten men who thought there was no future for them, that they would never see their families again. So how is it that only one turned around and came back to thank the One who had turned his life around?

Thankfulness is not innate. It has to be taught. I’m not referring to a casual “Hey, thanks for the ride” or the formal “I sincerely appreciate your assistance on this matter.” I’m speaking of the type of gratitude that flows from a heart that recognizes and appreciates undeserved favor. The sort of gratitude that returns to The Giver, throws himself at His feet, knowing he has been the recipient of God’s unmerited grace.

The tricky point is that in order to be grateful, one has to recognize one’s needs. If you were to offer a millionaire a tiny house, he’d probably turn it down with a ‘No thanks.’ On the other hand, if you were to offer that fixer-upper to a homeless person, he’d most likely be overjoyed. Because our level of gratitude is proportionate to our neediness.

You and I are pariahs through and through. We are unclean because of our sin. Yet God heard our cries for mercy and took our iniquity, our depravity, our sinfulness on Himself that we might be healed through Jesus, the only High Priest who holds the power to proclaim us clean.

Let me ask you a personal question: when is the last time you expressed heartfelt gratitude to the One who cleansed you from all sin? How often do you lift your voice in prayer for some need, then return to thank Him for granting your petition? Everything we have on this side of heaven – every last bit of what we own and enjoy here on earth – is from His gracious hand. Everything we have for eternity – mercy, salvation, forgiveness of sins, heaven – are His gift of grace. Let’s not forget to stop, right where we are, no matter what we’re doing, and return to bow at the feet of the One who fills our arms with good gifts.

Prayer: Lord, I throw myself at your feet, grateful for all that you are and all that you do. May I go forth today with a heart full of praise, mindful that you are the source of every good gift. In your name I pray, Amen.

Thought: “Thankfulness is foundational to the Christian life. Thankfulness is the conscious response that comes from looking beyond our blessings to their source.” Henry Blackaby