September 15, 2016
CULTIVATING A THANKFUL HEART
Luke 17:11–19
Kariss Lynch
Central Truth
A heart of gratitude is cultivated from a knowledge that we are nothing and have nothing without Jesus.
Key Verse | Luke 17:15–16
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:15-16)
Luke 17:11–19
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, 1 17:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” 2 17:19 Or has saved you
Dive Deeper | Luke 17:11–19
As a kid, I watched my dad worship in church. He didn’t learn about God in his home growing up or even go to church weekly; that all came later. But every Sunday, we slipped into the pew, and we sang. And Dad really sang. Loudly. With conviction. I often wondered how everyone around us could stand and mumble when my dad poured everything into worship. As I grew older, I began to understand; Dad remembered from whence he came. He knew he was nothing apart from God’s grace. And he sang like he knew it. Then I wondered . . . did the mumblers around us just forget?
The lepers remind me of the folks I grew up watching. Those who learned about God from an early age, a mix of Jews and Samaritans, and those who were considered outcasts. Yet, they were united in their disease, leprosy. Doesn't our common sin nature unite us all?
Also, they all acknowledged Jesus' ability and power to heal them. They had probably heard of His miracles. This was their lucky day. Jesus stepped into their mess, healed them, and then pointed them to the priest according to the Law.
Only ONE turned around. A leprous Samaritan—an outcast of outcasts. He fell at Jesus' feet to worship because he knew only Jesus could make him fully whole. A grateful heart is never automatically created. It's cultivated, born out of a heart that knows that we have nothing and are nothing without Jesus.
My dad didn't care how off-key he sang or who looked. His heart was a humble response to Jesus saving him from his “leprosy.” I think some of the mumblers grew so comfy in the pew that they forgot their previous outcast status. I know I often forget, but I don’t want to. Jesus didn't take back His healing from those who didn’t return, but they missed the opportunity to talk to Him. I don't want to miss out. I want to run to Him with a heart overflowing with gratitude and fall at His feet.
Until we realize we are all outcasts in need of a Savior, we will never fully taste the sweetness of gratitude.
Discussion Questions
1. What are 10 things you are thankful for today? Be specific and creative.
2. What keeps you from having a grateful heart?
3. What are some ways you can create time and space to develop gratitude?
4. Who are the three most grateful people you know, and what are some ways you can practice being like them?
5. Pick one memory verse about thanksgiving to meditate on this week.