The Thankful Leper

Children's Sermon: The Thankful Leper (Luke 17:11-19)

Does anyone know what I have here? (Hold up the thank-you card.) That’s right, I have a thank-you card. Can anyone share about a time when you have sent or received a thank-you card? (Allow kids to respond.) We have lots to be thankful for everyday, but sometimes we forget to say those two little words in response to someone doing something kind for us. In fact, that’s what happened in our Bible passage today. 

The story is about ten lepers. Do you know what a leper is? (Pause for kids to respond.) A leper is a person who has a disease called leprosy. This disease causes sores all over the body. Leprosy was very common in Jesus' day, and people who had this disease were thought to be dirty and unclean. They were required to stay away from other people because of the fear that they might infect them with their disease.

One day, Jesus was walking through a small village when He saw a group of ten lepers. They stood far away from Jesus and called to Him, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us." Obviously, they knew who Jesus was and that He had the power to heal them. When Jesus heard them, He called back to the lepers and said, "Go, show yourself to the priest." 

As the lepers went on their way to see the priest, they looked at their skin and the sores were gone. Jesus had healed their disease. They were so happy that they ran up and down the streets singing and dancing. Suddenly, one of them stopped and went back. Praising God with a loud voice, he threw himself at Jesus' feet and said, "Thank You." Jesus said to him, "Weren't there ten who were healed? Where are the other nine?" (Luke 17:11-19) Only one out of ten remembered to say, "Thank You."

God does so much for us! Every day He provides everything we need: food, clothing, and a place to live. Do we ever forget to say, "Thank You?"

 Let's stop right now and say, "Thank You," and ask God to help us remember to thank Him every day.

Dear Lord, You give us everything we need, but we often forget to say, "Thank You." We thank You now, and ask You to help us to remember to give thanks every day for all that You do for us. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.