THROUGHOUT his ministry Christ Jesus emphasized the importance of gratitude. He frequently offered audible thanks to God and indicated to his followers the significance of expressing grateful thoughts.
Luke relates that the Way-shower met ten lepers one day as he walked through a village on a journey to Jerusalem. In response to their plea for help, the Master told them to go and show themselves to the priests; this was in accordance with Mosaic law. As they went they were freed from the bondage of the disease that had made them outcasts. Nine of them continued on their way. One of them, however, turned back to proclaim publicly his gratitude to God and humbly to thank Christ Jesus. It is recorded that the Master asked (17:17), "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?"
Mary Baker Eddy comments on this occurrence in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." On page 94 she writes, "Of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed, but one returned to give God thanks,—that is, to acknowledge the divine Principle which had healed him." When we have proof of the healing efficacy of the Christ, Truth, in our experience, do we return to express our humble gratitude, or do we go along, as did the nine, to enjoy a new-found freedom without just acknowledgment to God, divine Principle?
