Sermon Title: Attitude of Gratitude
Text: Luke 17:11-19
Introduction
Gratitude is a transformative attitude. In today’s world, it’s easy to focus on what’s missing instead of recognizing the blessings we already have. But what if gratitude could change not just our outlook but our relationship with God? In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to express gratitude. This story isn’t just about healing; it’s about recognizing the Giver, not just the gift. Today, let’s explore this passage to understand the importance of having an attitude of gratitude.
Illustration: Lily and Her Hair Loss
Lily was a cheerful girl with a big heart, but one day she was diagnosed with an illness that made her hair fall out. Every morning, she’d see strands of hair on her pillow or in her brush. Instead of crying, she’d say, “Well, that’s a little less tangling to deal with!”
As the weeks went on, her hair thinned and thinned. One morning, Lily looked in the mirror and realized—there wasn’t a single strand left on her head. She stared at her reflection, blinked, and then laughed, “Well, at least I don’t have to brush my hair today!”
Her humor and positivity inspired everyone around her. While life took her hair, it couldn’t take her joy.
Exegesis of the Passage
Verse 11: Jesus on His Way to Jerusalem
"Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee."
Jesus is intentionally traveling toward Jerusalem, the place of His ultimate sacrifice. This journey reminds us that everything He does is purposeful, including this encounter with the ten lepers. The setting—on the border between Samaria and Galilee—highlights a place of division and diversity. It’s a reminder that Jesus’ ministry transcends boundaries, reaching the marginalized and outcasts.
Samaritans and Jews didn’t mix, but Jesus didn’t play by human partitions.
He intentionally positioned Himself where brokenness, rejection, and conflict met, ready to bring healing and unity.
Jesus walks the borders of our lives too—between our fears and faith, our doubts and hope, our sins and forgiveness.
He doesn’t avoid the hard places; He steps into them.
Where the world divides, Jesus unites.
Where others see boundaries, Jesus sees people.
Verse 12: The Lepers Cry for Mercy
"As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance."
Leprosy in biblical times was not just a physical ailment but a social and spiritual stigma. The lepers, standing at a distance, reflect their exclusion from society. Yet, they recognize Jesus as someone who can help. Their physical distance mirrors the spiritual distance sin creates between humanity and God. The lepers’ cry for mercy is an act of faith, acknowledging Jesus’ authority and compassion.
Leprosy didn’t just harm the body—it exiled the soul.
These men were cut off from family, community, and worship.
Yet, even from a distance, they called out to Jesus.
Their cry reminds us that desperation doesn’t disqualify us; it positions us for a miracle.
Jesus hears even the cries from the margins.
When we feel distant—whether because of sin, shame, or life’s struggles—He still listens.
Our brokenness doesn’t push Him away; it draws His compassion closer.
No distance is too great for His mercy.
Verse 13: A Desperate Cry
"And called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’"
Notice the collective plea. These men are unified in their suffering and their desperate call to Jesus. The term “Master” signifies their recognition of His authority. Their cry is simple yet profound—a reminder that God hears even the shortest, most desperate prayers.
In their pain and isolation, the lepers didn’t whisper—they cried out with boldness.
They recognized Jesus not just as a teacher but as Master, the one with authority to heal and restore.
Their loud plea was a declaration of faith, born from their deepest need.
Desperation can lead to transformation when directed toward Jesus.
Crying out to Him isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step of faith.
Whether our voices tremble or roar, He hears, He cares, and He responds.
Don’t hold back your cry for mercy; He is always listening.
Verse 14: Healing Through Obedience
"When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed."
Jesus doesn’t heal them immediately but instructs them to act in faith. According to Levitical law, lepers had to be declared clean by a priest before rejoining society (Leviticus 14). Their healing happens as they obey His command. This underscores a key principle: faith often requires action before the miracle is visible. The lesson here is clear—obedience to Jesus leads to transformation.
Jesus didn’t heal them immediately; He called them to act in faith.
The lepers had to start walking toward the priests while still bearing their disease.
Their healing came not before their obedience, but as they obeyed.
Faith is often an action, not just a feeling.
Sometimes, we have to step out even when the evidence of change isn’t visible yet.
Healing and breakthroughs come as we trust God and move forward, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
Obedience opens the door to miracles.
Verse 15-16: Gratitude Expressed
"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan."
Out of ten, only one returns to express gratitude. What sets this man apart is not just his thanks but his recognition of Jesus as the source of his healing. His gratitude is expressed through worship, as he falls at Jesus’ feet. The detail that he is a Samaritan highlights the inclusivity of God’s grace. Gratitude breaks barriers and brings us closer to Jesus.
Out of ten healed, only one returned to thank Jesus.
And this one wasn’t just any man—he was a Samaritan, an outsider. His gratitude wasn’t quiet or casual; it was loud and wholehearted, overflowing with praise.
He didn’t just acknowledge the healing—he acknowledged the Healer.
Gratitude turns a blessing into worship. It’s not enough to receive from God; we must return to give Him the glory He deserves. The Samaritan reminds us that no matter who we are or where we come from, thanksgiving is the language of faith and humility.
Don’t just walk away blessed—come back and worship.
Verse 17-18: Jesus’ Response
"Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’"
Church, listen to the words of Jesus! ‘Where are the other nine?’ Ten were healed—TEN! But only one came back to say thank you. Only one returned to give glory to God. And let me tell you, it wasn’t the one people expected. It wasn’t someone from the inside. It was a foreigner, an outsider, someone the world looked down on.
Jesus isn’t just pointing out the nine—He’s calling out a problem. How often do we cry out in desperation, “Lord, help me!” but then walk away in silence when the blessing comes? How often do we take the gift but forget the Giver? Church, we have a choice to make: Will we be like the nine who took the blessing and ran, or like the one who came back to worship?
Let me preach this loud and clear—Jesus notices your gratitude! He’s not just looking for a healed body; He’s looking for a thankful heart. Don’t just receive the miracle—return to the Master! Don’t just walk away blessed—fall at His feet and praise Him!
Church, hear this: God doesn’t owe us anything, but He gives us everything. How dare we take His blessings and forget to give Him the glory? Let us be the one who comes back, the one who worships, the one who lives a life of gratitude.
Where are the other nine? Don’t let it be you!
Verse 19: Faith Completes the Healing
"Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’"
Church, listen closely to what Jesus says here! “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” This man wasn’t just physically healed—he was made whole! While the other nine received their physical healing, this man received something far greater: spiritual restoration. Why? Because he didn’t just believe in the miracle—he believed in the Miracle Worker!
Let me tell you, faith is more than asking; it’s returning to the One who answers. It’s more than crying out for mercy; it’s falling at His feet in worship. Jesus didn’t just heal this man’s body—He healed his soul. That’s what faith does—it brings complete restoration!
Too many of us stop at the blessing. We want the gift, but we miss the Giver. We settle for relief when Jesus is offering renewal. Church, don’t settle! Don’t just pray for a fix—pray for faith! Don’t just walk away with a temporary miracle—walk in the fullness of salvation!
Rise and go, Church! Let your faith make you whole! Jesus is still in the business of healing, restoring, and transforming. But it starts with faith—a faith that doesn’t just ask, but worships. A faith that doesn’t just receive, but returns. That’s the faith that makes you truly well!
Application
1. Gratitude Begins with Recognition
The nine lepers were healed but didn’t return because they focused on the gift rather than the Giver. How often do we pray for blessings but forget to thank the One who gives them? Let’s take time to recognize God’s hand in our lives and return to Him with thanks.
2. Gratitude Breaks Barriers
The Samaritan’s gratitude highlights the inclusiveness of Jesus’ ministry. Gratitude helps us see beyond divisions and focus on the common grace we all receive. How can we use gratitude to build bridges in our relationships and communities?
3. Gratitude Leads to Deeper Faith
When the Samaritan returned, he didn’t just receive healing—he encountered Jesus in a profound way. Gratitude draws us closer to God and transforms our faith. Are we living with an attitude of gratitude that keeps us connected to Him?
Illustration: John's Journey to Potluck Heaven
John wasn’t exactly the "church-going type." Sermons made him snooze, hymns weren’t his jam, and let’s not even start on those early Saturday mornings. But one day, a friend convinced him to attend, promising, “Just come. You might like it.”
John reluctantly agreed. The service was fine—organized, inspiring for some—but not exactly life-changing for him. Then it happened. As the service ended, someone whispered, “Don’t forget—there’s potluck in the fellowship hall!”
John followed the crowd, curious, and found tables lined with casseroles, fresh bread, pasta, pies, and every dessert imaginable. His eyes widened. He thought, Now THIS is what I call fellowship!
From that day on, John never missed a service. Rain or shine, there he was, sitting through the songs and sermons. When friends asked what changed his heart, he’d shrug and say, “The Spirit leads in mysterious ways... especially when the Spirit smells like mac and cheese!”
Little by little, as he came back for the food, he started paying attention to the messages, singing along with the hymns, and connecting with people. The potluck had been the bait, but God reeled him in with grace—and maybe a little cheesecake.
Appeal: Return to the Feet of Jesus
Church, let me ask you: Where are you today? Are you standing at a distance like the lepers, crying out for help? Or maybe you’re one of the nine, walking away with the blessing but forgetting the One who blessed you. Or are you the one who comes back, falls at His feet, and gives Him the glory He deserves?
Listen! Jesus hears your cry, He sees your need, and He responds with compassion and power. But the question isn’t whether He will bless you—the question is, What will you do when He does?
Will you be like the nine, content to take the healing and move on with your life? Or will you be like the one who came back, the one who understood that the greatest miracle isn’t the gift—it’s the Giver!
Let me tell you something,
Jesus isn’t just after your healing; He’s after your heart! He’s looking for people who won’t just call Him Master when they’re desperate but will worship Him when they’re delivered. He’s looking for faith that moves beyond asking and steps into thanksgiving!
Today, I’m calling you to make a choice. Will you walk away satisfied with the temporary, or will you come back and receive the eternal? Will you settle for the blessing, or will you fall at the feet of the One who can make you truly whole?
Rise and come to Jesus! Bring your gratitude, your worship, and your faith to the One who never stops giving, never stops loving, and never stops healing. He’s waiting, Church! He’s waiting for you to return and give Him the glory.
Don’t walk out of here like the nine—be the one! Be the one who returns, the one who worships, the one who declares, “Jesus, You alone are worthy of my praise!”
The altar is open. Your heart is open. And Jesus is calling. Will you come back to Him today? Don’t wait—rise and go, for your faith can make you whole!
Conclusion
The story of the ten lepers teaches us that gratitude is more than a response; it’s a choice. While all ten experienced Jesus’ power, only one received the fullness of His blessing through gratitude.
Let us be like the one who returned, praising God and drawing closer to Jesus. An attitude of gratitude doesn’t just change our hearts—it deepens our relationship with God and allows His blessings to overflow into our lives.
