Thanksgiving, the act of giving thanks, is a vital part of the Christian life. Over and over in the Bible, we see the great heroes of the faith stopping to thank the Lord for his blessings. But in spite of their example, there are people who forget - or just don’t care - to give thanks.
People with leprosy were rarely, if ever, cured. Lepers were outcasts. They could not live with their families or even inside cities, where it was safe. They couldn’t hold jobs, and they had no one to comfort them except for other lepers. Once you had leprosy, chances are you would die with it - alone and apart from your loved ones.
Jesus gave these men an incredible gift. He gave them their health back! But only one of the ten thanked him. I don’t doubt all ten men went to see the priest. Only the priest could declare them cured and allow them to go back to their families, so they had to see the priest. But Jesus was the only one who could heal them. So why did only one man thank Jesus?
This story is a great reminder of the importance of thanking God. God has given us so many things to be thankful for, and too many times, we take those gifts for granted. We need to stop and thank God for his gifts when they happen. Thankfulness is not just for Thanksgiving. It’s for every day!
Theme Verse: Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Student Lesson
Exploring God’s Word 10 Lepers Luke 17:11-19 As Jesus was going to the town of Jerusalem, He met 10 people that had an awful skin disease. It was called leprosy. Leprosy causes the skin to be snowy white, like ashes. It causes your skin to deteriorate and can even cause fingers to drop off!
These men saw Jesus coming and began shouting to him, "Jesus, Master, help us."
Jesus simply told them to go to the priest and let him look at them. This sounds like a funny thing to say, but it was very important. Back then, a leper went to the priest when he was well. So, Jesus was telling them that they would be well if they believed Him and went to the priest.
All 10 trusted what Jesus said. They had faith in Jesus. They began walking to see the priest.
On the way, one of the men looked down and gasped. “Look!” he said excitedly. “My leprosy is gone!” Jesus made me well. They all realized that they were well. The lepers were so excited. No longer would they have to be outcasts from everyone. People would talk to them and they could live a normal life!
One man knew that he needed to thank Jesus for what He had done. He was so glad that he ran back to thank Jesus for making him well. Jesus was glad to see him but he also said, "Where are the other 9 people? Are you the only one who returned?" Jesus praised the man for coming back and told him that his faith in God had made him well. In Jesus’ Greek language it says that his faith “saved” him.
Let’s tell God what we’re thankful for.
Dear God, I’m thankful for ________________________. Amen.
Theme Verse: Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Retell It!
Act out the story. Bring baby powder. Pick 10 people to be the lepers. One person to be the priest. Sprinkle baby powder on their hands to give the effect of leprosy. Tell them to wipe it off as they are walking toward the priest. Everyone will want to act out the story.
Learn It!
Use this verse from Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain Hymn # 435 to help reinforce tonight’s lesson!
Come in poverty and meanness, Come defiled without, within; From infection and uncleanness, From the leprosy of sin, Wash your robes and make them white; Ye shall walk with God in light. Amen
Closing Gather children around you.
Pray: Dear God, Thank you for loving me! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Blessing:May God, who is all around you, Beginning at the bottom of the circle, slowly pour his love upon you.make a large circle with your hands. Finish by bringing your hands down and wiggling the fingers to resemble rain.) And Jesus, his life a sacrifice,Slowly make a large sign of the cross. Then walk right there beside you.move your hands out to the sides. And may God’s Holy Spirit, Cross your hands over the heart. the one who lives inside you, keep you strong, Move to a “strong man” position. Then comfort, lead and guide you!cross your arms with the hands on corresponding upper arms to communicate comfort. Bring one hand forward with “lead” and the other with “guide” to complete the blessing.)
