Why Aren’t We More Grateful?

(a sermon excerpt by Jena)

A white sore was the first symptom of leprosy. Boils then spread, slowly rotting flesh  away until reaching every organ. Unable to work or provide for their family, leprosy victims became outcasts. No longer viewed as humans, they were treated more like murderers. Every time someone came near, they were required to yell, “Unclean” warning others to stay away.  Living among strangers, they felt alone and abandoned.
With dignity lost, emotions calloused, and rotting flesh, the pain became unbearable. They desired a stroke of a hand from a loved one.

In the parable of the ten lepers (Luke 17), imagine the excitement they felt when Jesus came in view.  In desperation they blurted, “Help us,” rather than “Unclean.” Jesus showed them mercy. He told them to go see the priest for they were cleansed.

Only the Samarian thanked Jesus. Why didn’t the rest of them? Nothing would stop us from showing our gratitude if we had suffered so, right? Or, would we?

Let me change your focus by using my imagination. Allow me to take you back in time to get a possible glimpse into their  hurting lives. Let’s put names to the outcasts, who were set free, and think about some scenarios as to why they might not have thanked Jesus in person.

Caleb had only been among the lepers for a week. Not sinking in yet, it felt like a dream when the priest pronounced him cleansed. He hurried home since there wasn’t a need for thankfulness in his mind .

Matt, a leader in the synagogue,  lived among the lepers a few months. He’d heard of Jesus’ miracles and jumped for joy when Jesus told them to go see the priest. Sprinting most of the way, he arrived at the temple first. Overhearing several talk about going to see Jesus, he interrupted, “There’s no reason to tell him thanks for he already knows. Besides, he wouldn’t have done it for us if he didn’t want to.” This false belief prevented Matt from giving thanks.

Attacked by leprosy a month after marrying, Benjamin yearned for his bride. Jesus could be his ticket home. Anxious to see her, but fearful she might have found another man, he rushed home without a thought to thank Jesus. Selfishness stole Benjamin’s thankful  heart.

Owning his own carpentry business, Joe ran out of time to get his affairs in order before his sudden departure to the leprosy camp. This past year he’d spent every day worrying  about whether or not his wife and kids were being provided for. As soon as Joe was healed, he believed the right thing to do was to check  on his business.

The twins Mike and Mark were both pronounced clean. As they left the temple, two goats broke loose, knocking over the dove cage, scattering them in all directions. Chasing the goats for the priests, they stopped to scoop a little boy up who the goats just knocked over. The boy hugged them saying, “Thanks.” This reminded them of their ungratefulness. By then, Jesus was gone. Even good deeds can distract.

Adam’s wife was expecting their first child when his white sores appeared. Sadness and depression plagued him, not being able to see the birth of this child. News came he was the father of a son, but it wasn’t the same. On his way to the priest, he kept thinking how his son should be walking and talking now. When the priest gave him the all-clear, he was so happy and grateful, he yelled, “I’ll get my wife and son so we can tell Jesus thank you as a family.” However, they were unable to find Jesus.

Gabe’s deteriorating  body showed he’d been outside the city gates the longest. Too weak to walk, he began the journey with one arm around Mike, and the other around Mark. His feet drew lines in the dirt, but as they travelled, the weight on the twin’s shoulders lightened. Gabe’s legs gained enough strength by the time they reached the priests that he could hobble.  However, he still  felt too weak to search for Jesus, even though his heart was thankful.

Shy Eli stood in line at the temple behind Zach, the Samaritan. They planned on thanking Jesus together after seeing the priest. The closer they got, though, the more nervous Eli became. Wiping his forehead as his eyes caught a glimpse of Jesus he told Zach, “Go ahead. Tell Jesus thanks for me please.” His nerves caused him to quit.

Each man had a rational reason for not showing  gratitude. False beliefs made some feel giving thanks unnecessary. Distractions, other priorities, and not persevering kept the rest from expressing gratitude, even if they were grateful in their hearts.

Next time someone doesn’t thank you, think of these possibilities instead of being so quick to judge. None of us were born with grateful hearts. It’s something we have to develop and train ourselves to do.

Be grateful this holiday season! By the way, did I tell you thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my blog? THANKS!!! Please share this if you liked it and come back again!

© 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.