There were 10 of them.

Plagued with leprosy, these men were social outcasts forced to live on the edge of society embracing an existence that could only be described as miserable, at best.

Considered “unclean” and contagious, these lepers couldn’t hold a job, shop at the local market, own property, go to church, or touch and hug anyone who wasn’t a leper.

These 10 men identified in Luke 17 had a bleak future ahead of them.

Until Jesus came to town.

When these 10 got word that Jesus was passing by, they began crying out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” (Luke 17:13 NIV)

According to verse 14, Jesus heard them, answered them, and sent them on their way to see the priest (because only a priest in those days could declare you “clean” – Leviticus 13:2).

“…One of [the lepers], when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God with a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him…” (Luke 17:14-16 NIV)

The subsequent questions that Jesus asked in that moment are still relevant to us today.

“Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” (vs. 17 NIV)

Why didn’t the nine come back?

What could have possibly been more important than returning to give thanks?

Did their miraculous healing hold that little value to them?

It’s easy to scrutinize their actions as we read Luke’s account, isn’t it?

But, when I slow down and put myself in the story, I can’t possibly tally how many times I’ve acted just like the nine.

Maybe you see yourself, as well?

How many times have we basked in the blessing of Jesus making our lives worth living without giving Him our thanks?

How many days have our feet hit the ground running without even a second thought of gratitude to the One Who holds our very breath, every second of our day, and our future in His hands?

How often do we overlook opportunities to thank Him for the everyday work of sanctification and grace that He is doing in our lives?

As we approach this Thanksgiving season, let’s shake off the apathy of the nine and be like the one leper whose life was transformed by Jesus and did something about it!

He returned to give thanks.

Lord, thank you for making my once dreary existence a life worth living! Thank you for accepting me into Your forever family! Thank you for removing all of my shame, cleansing me, and making me new! Thank you for giving me abundant life through your Son – now and forevermore! Amen!

Until next time, Grace & Glory!