GRATITUDE 3 - Say “Thank you,” even when others don’t.

Gratitude 3 - English files

Dankbarkeit 3 - German files

Devotional Thoughts on Luke 17:11-19

How often do we base our actions on what other people do? It probably happens quite a lot. Especially if we’re new in a school, a job or some other group, it’s natural to look to the others for clues on how to handle situations that arise. Peer pressure is a powerful motivator for everyone—not just for teens.

 The Bible doesn’t say that the lepers discussed Jesus’ direction or voted on it. They were probably all ready to do just as He had said on the odd chance that it might actually work. And once it did, I’m sure there was no stopping them.

 But his healing made the Samaritan skid to a halt and think as the others sprinted on past him. The sight and feel of his changed body made him focus on God, who had done for him what nobody else could. Although the priests would have to confirm his healing before he could rejoin society, that could wait; he must go back to Jesus.

He found Him and announced loudly how great God is, surely recounting his own experience. Then he fell on his face before Jesus and thanked Him. Jesus appreciated his thankfulness, coming from the odd one out of 10 who had done the right thing. Perhaps some of the others had thankful thoughts, too, but gratitude seems to need expression to make it what it is. Lord, help me always be ready to thank You. 

Downloading lesson files

If you're interested in the lesson file, simply click on the appropriate link above to download it in the desired language. See the Informational Pages in the right column for more about the lesson series. The next two blogs will contain more lessons in the Gratitude series.