As Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to die on the cross, ten men with leprosy called out to Jesus to have pity on them. By faith, they asked for Jesus' healing and mercy. Jesus never turns a deaf ear to those who humbly ask for his mercy. He told them to show themselves to the priests to be pronounced clean. When they took Jesus at his word and walked away, they were healed. They received their lives back. One of the ten, a Samaritan, came back while praising God with a loud voice. The other nine didn't come back, forgetting about the One who healed their sick and deteriorating bodies and gave them new lives. Jesus wanted all of them to come back, thank Him, and have a loving relationship with Him. Jesus the High Priest blessed the Samaritan and declared him well.

Jesus' healing was given to the ten who obeyed Jesus' words, but only one thanked Jesus. Maybe only 10% of Christians offer thanksgiving to Jesus. Giving thanks to God keeps our hearts in the right relationship with him. Jesus' ultimate purpose for healing us is to establish such a relationship with us. When we do not thank him, however, our thinking becomes futile and our foolish hearts are darkened (Ro 1:21). Jesus wants us to be thankful for what he has done for us.


Application: Lord, thank you for saving me and giving me a new life. Help me give thanks to you always and live by faith.
One Word: Where are the other nine?