"And [he] fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving him thanks…” (Luke 17:16a)

It should be no surprise that the Thanksgiving holiday–or at least the giving of thanks–becomes less popular every year. As many Americans abandon the Judeo-Christian tradition, the holidays that flow from it are also naturally abandoned. For those who follow that trend, turkey is permitted. Thanksgiving is not. Gravy is great. Gratitude to a holy, personal God is not. What about the rest of us? Christians need to examine our thankfulness at Thanksgiving (and the rest of the year). The powerful account of the ten lepers helps us do that.

Only Luke includes this event, and it tells of ten men whom Jesus cleansed of their leprosy (17:11-19). Nine continued their journey afterward, but one was so grateful that he interrupted his travel to return to Jesus to thank him for the healing. Note three truths in the passage that we need to look for and cultivate in ourselves. First, the thankful man “turned back” (17:15). His nine companions didn't, so they missed the life-changing thrill of time spent in the presence of Christ. Giving thanks makes us stand out as it did the one leper. Do you turn back or follow the crowd because it is a crowd? Turn back as the singular leper did.

Second, the one cleansed man glorified God “with a loud voice” (17:15). I’m sure he caused some stares. Onlookers may have pointed, mocked, or giggled. Leprosy is so horrible that being healed of it is spectacular. He naturally cried out, overwhelmed with joy. He didn’t mind making a scene but wanted to celebrate and glorify the one who had freed him from his hideous disease. Are you ever moved to use a loud voice at the risk of embarrassment? Like the healed one, glorify God with your voice, and explain the blissful outburst later as the opportunity arises.

Third, he “fell down on his face at his feet” as he thanked the Lord Jesus (17:16). His dignity fled. The nine did no such thing as they went their way. Nobody could accuse them of being fanatics. The lone fanatic is at the feet of Jesus. Such a treasured moment of thanks, worship, and joy! Do you quickly move on with the nine, or linger at the feet of your Master? Be like the one, not the nine.  Enjoy Thanksgiving. Don’t neglect, however, true giving of thanks when the goodness of God overpowers you. The nine around you may need to see fervent thanksgiving.