Episode 264 — Luke 17:11–19 — Nine and One 

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s amazing to be here with you today.
Today is September 28.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him.
You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body.
As you inhale, whisper: “Praise God.” 
As you exhale, pray: “Thank You for what you have done.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read
As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
(Luke 17:11–19, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a phrase or truth that speaks directly to you?
Hold it before the Lord for a moment.

Reread
Hear this passage again — and notice who comes back to thank Jesus.
  
Meditate
Ten men with leprosy. Ten men who are ceremonially unclean. Ten men who are outcasts. Ten men who stand at a distance and cry out to Jesus: "Master, have mercy on us!"
Jesus looks at them and says, "Go show yourselves to the priests."
And as they go, they are cleansed. All ten of them. The healing happens.
But only one comes back.
One.
And he's a Samaritan. An outsider. A foreigner. Someone who, in Jewish culture, would have been considered an enemy.
He comes back, shouting, "Praise God!" He falls at Jesus's feet. He thanks Him. He gives glory to God.
And Jesus notices. "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"
There's something in Jesus's tone here. Not anger, exactly. But disappointment. Surprise. A question that cuts to the heart: Where is the gratitude?
Here's what should land: gratitude is not just a nice feeling. It's an act of faith. It's a recognition that God is at work. It's a return to the source of blessing. It's an acknowledgment that we don't deserve what we've been given.
The nine were healed. But the one who returned in gratitude—he was truly healed. He was restored. He was whole.
And he was willing to be that one. The one who comes back. The one who gives glory. The one who is unashamed to acknowledge God's work, even if it makes him stand out. Even if it makes him different.
Take a few moments to sit with this question:
What would it look like for me to be like the Samaritan—willing to stand out, willing to give glory, willing to return in gratitude?

Respond
Jesus, thank you for all you have done for me. I'm choosing to be the one who comes back. Help me live with a grateful heart. Help me see Your hand in everything. Help me always return to give You thanks."

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Return and Give Thanks
Today's habit is an act of intentional gratitude.
The Samaritan didn't just receive healing. He returned to give thanks. Today, you're going to do the same.
Spend 20–30 minutes on this exercise:
Part 1: Identify Your Healings: Write down five specific blessings, healings, or acts of grace that God has done in your life. Be specific. Name them.
Part 2: Return in Gratitude: Now, for each one, take a moment to return in gratitude. Not just mentally. Actually return.
You might:
Write a prayer of thanks
Tell someone what God has done
Share your testimony
Give to a cause that reflects God's work in your life
Simply kneel and give glory to God
Part 3: Be the One: Finally, commit to being the one who returns. The one who gives thanks. The one who is unashamed to acknowledge God's work.
Before you do, pray: "Jesus, I'm returning to give thanks. Like the Samaritan, I'm willing to stand out. I'm willing to give glory. I'm willing to acknowledge what You've done. Help me be the one who returns. Help me live with a grateful heart. Help me set the world on fire with my gratitude and praise."
Then return. Give thanks. Give glory.
Be the one.
I have two asks of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today and check out the review of this podcast on Elevate Society?
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.