Luke 17:18

“There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Luke 17:18 (KJV) says, “There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.”

This verse is part of a larger passage found in Luke 17:11-19. In this passage, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks and glorify God. Let’s explore the key themes and lessons we can learn from this verse.

Gratitude:The primary lesson from this verse is gratitude. The nine lepers who were healed didn’t return to give thanks to Jesus, but the one who was a stranger, a Samaritan, did. It highlights the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings and acts of kindness we receive, especially from God. Gratitude is a key characteristic of a faithful believer.

Faith and Salvation:The fact that the one who returned to give thanks was a Samaritan holds significant meaning. Samaritans were considered outsiders by the Jewish community at that time. This emphasizes that faith and salvation are not limited to a specific group or ethnicity but are open to all who believe and have faith in Jesus. The stranger’s faith was rewarded, and Jesus commended his act of gratitude.

Recognition of God’s Work:By returning to give glory to God, the Samaritan leper recognized that Jesus’ healing power came from God. He acknowledged God’s authority and sovereignty in his life. In doing so, he demonstrated a deeper understanding of the source of his healing and expressed his acknowledgment and praise to God.

Spiritual Insights:This verse also highlights the spiritual insight and discernment displayed by the Samaritan. He recognized not only the physical healing but also the spiritual significance of the miracle. He understood that God’s hand was at work, and he responded with thanksgiving and worship.

Application:

• Cultivate Gratitude:This passage encourages us to develop a heart of gratitude. We should regularly express our thankfulness to God for His blessings, provision, and acts of grace in our lives. Gratitude should be an integral part of our relationship with God and our interactions with others.
• Embrace Inclusivity:Just as the Samaritan was an outsider, we should recognize that God’s love and salvation are inclusive. We should avoid prejudice or exclusion based on race, ethnicity, or background. God’s grace extends to all who believe in Him.
• Acknowledge God’s Work:In every aspect of our lives, we should recognize God’s hand at work. By acknowledging His sovereignty, we demonstrate our trust and faith in Him. This recognition helps us develop a deeper relationship with God and appreciate His involvement in our lives.
• Seek Spiritual Insight:The Samaritan leper demonstrated spiritual insight by recognizing the spiritual significance of his healing. As believers, we should strive for spiritual discernment and seek to understand God’s work in our lives. This can be achieved through prayer, studying the Scriptures, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, Luke 17:18 teaches us about the importance of gratitude, inclusivity, recognizing God’s work, and seeking spiritual insight. By applying these lessons to our lives, we can grow in our faith, deepen our relationship with God, and express our gratitude for His blessings.