RESPONSE TO HEALING
As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, He reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As He entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for what He had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
Luke 17:11-19 (NLT)
Sometimes, we believe that if we could interact with Jesus face to face, everything would be different. Our doubts would be dispelled, our faith would skyrocket, and we’d never question Him or stumble into sin ever again. It’s a nice thought, but it’s actually a lie we tell ourselves. We need only observe the numerous interactions our Savior had with those around Him to see that not everyone went away equally impacted.
In the story above, ten lepers cried out to Jesus for healing. They suffered from an incurable condition that would slowly ravage their bodies. It turned them into outcasts, cut off from society. They weren’t allowed even to come close to people, much less touch them. To be deprived of a handshake or a hug had to have been an awful thing. So, when Jesus heals these lepers, what joy must have filled their souls!
And yet.
Only one of the nine returns to thank Jesus. Only one of the nine has the presence of mind to demonstrate heartfelt gratitude to the one who has restored his body. The other nine are no less healed, but they certainly reveal the state of their hearts. They are more interested in the healing than they are in the Healer. And unfortunately, we often have the same mentality. There’s nothing wrong with asking God for things, including healing. In fact, Jesus encourages us to ask in His name (see John 14:13-14). But when He responds, we should demonstrate our gratitude, giving God the glory.
APPLICATION: Once again, this week, let’s take time just to tell God thank You for all He has done. Take some time to think of specific instances where He moved in power on your behalf. After spending time thanking Him, look for opportunities to testify to His goodness. With a friend or family member, start a conversation about God's faithfulness in your life.
PRAYER: Father, You’ve done so much for me in my life. Help me never to be more grateful for the blessing than I am You, the One who has poured it out. Grow an attitude of gratitude within me. Give me the words as I seek to share how You have impacted my life with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?