Saying “Thanks”

Filed Under Pastor's Blog by Pastor Meredith

This Sunday’s gospel lesson is from Luke 17:11-19 and tells the story of the 10 lepers who were healed by Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. Well, actually, they were received the promise of healing on the road to Jerusalem. When they called to Jesus, asking for mercy, Jesus replied, saying, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”

A bit of historical context might be helpful here for us 21st century readers of Luke’s gospel. According to the Torah, the priests were the only ones who could declare a leper clean. The only reason that these outcast lepers would go to the priests would be for such a declaration. If they were still covered in leprosy, then they would not be allowed anywhere near the priests or the temple for fear that they would defile it.

So, back to the story… the 10 lepers go on their way, heading towards the priests, when they are made clean. Somewhere on a random corner between were they were and were Jesus told them to go, the lepers were healed. And then, only one returned to say, “Thank you.”

When was the last time that you said, “Thank you?” When was the last time that you returned to the people, the places and the God who has made you the person you are today and offered your thanks?