Recognize the Giver

Real thankfulness is never vague or abstract. The Samaritan leper does not come back simply to express a general attitude of gratitude. He returns because he has received something real from Jesus. He saw his skin restored, the disease destroyed, and that his life was given back.

True thankfulness always has an object. More specifically, it clings to someone specific. One cannot be, in the most basic sense, thankful in general. No, thankfulness requires an acknowledgement of both the gift and the one who gives that gift. In the same way, Christian thankfulness is not simply “having a good attitude” or “being positive.” It is recognizing concrete gifts from the hand of God and returning to the Giver with appropriate thanksgiving.

Thankfulness is specific and concrete. You are thankful for something such as a blessing received or a  gift given. And so the Samaritan returned, fell at Jesus’s feet, and gave thanks because he knows exactly what Christ has done for him.

Find out more in this sermon for Thanksgiving Day from St. John's Lutheran Church of Oakes, ND!