Leprosy was a terrible disease during the time of Jesus. It was so bad that its victims had to live apart from everyone and call out unclean when anyone came near. They could not rejoin society until they were declared clean by the priest. Under such circumstances you would think that these poor souls would be anxious for help and would be grateful for any remission of the disease.

            Jesus, of whom they have heard, comes close and they call out to him. “Heal us,” which he does. He then instructs them to go and show themselves to the priest. They believe him and as they start on their way, they notice that they are healed. One turns around, rushes back to Jesus and falls to the ground profusely thanking Jesus for the miracle. He is a Samaritan. The Jews hated the Samaritans in those days. Jesus asks, “Did I not heal ten?” Then he assures the one that that did return that his faith has made him whole.

            Ten were healed but only one returned to thank his healer. I saw a dramatic presentation of this story several years ago.  Dr. Don Flowers, pastor of Provident Baptist Church, while preaching on this topic stationed the ungrateful nine lepers throughout the congregation. At the appropriate time each one stood to explain his failure to thank Jesus. The dramatization made the experience real. Gratitude is a missing element in today’s society.

            Some people feel entitled to the benefits or gifts they receive. Others are dissatisfied with what they receive because in their mind it isn’t enough. They point to others who received more and claim that they have been treated unfairly. Gratitude is in short supply. In high school I helped several students prepare and rehearse their speeches for student body elections. I received a thank you note from one person. It made such an impression that I still have that note.

            I learned a very important lesson in college. My girlfriend’s mother invited me to have dinner with the family. It was wonderful having a home cooked meal in a warm friendly environment. Afterwards I wrote the mother a thank you note. That note resulted in many more nice dinners. Years later I asked my wife if I should write a thank you note for a kindness I had received. Her answer has stuck with me. “Why do you think that you thought of it?” Wow!

            Think about it. Try this. Think of your last success or happy conclusion. Now, think of all those people involved in getting you there. Write each a thank you note. It does not need to be elaborate. All you need to say is thank you. You might want to be specific. Thank you for introducing me to Carol or thank you for telling me about the job at Boeing. Handwriting is most effective even if yours is as bad as mine which is doubtful.

            There are so many important lessons to be gained from the story of Jesus and the ungrateful lepers, but it blatantly teaches us to live our lives with an attitude of gratitude.

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