The Attitude Of Gratitude

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.