Do you want miracles or who does the miracle?

In this article we give an explanation of something that is happening in our time, a reality that the Word of God also reveals as common in the days of Jesus. During His earthly ministry, great crowds followed Christ. Yet not all followed Him for the same reason: some sought Him for food, others for physical healing, and still others for the salvation of their souls. Human motives have not changed much over the centuries. Many still pursue God for what they hope to receive rather than for who He is. This truth becomes especially clear when we examine the account of the ten lepers.

Our article today is based on the story of the ten lepers:

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

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

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Luke 17:11-19

Only one of the ten who were healed returned to Jesus, fell at His feet, and gave thanks. Jesus Himself asked the question that continues to echo across the generations: “Where are the nine?” This moment exposes the human heart with remarkable clarity. Many people are quick to cry out for mercy in moments of need, but few return with gratitude once their situation has changed. The passage teaches us that gratitude is not merely a polite response; it is an act of worship that recognizes God as the source of all blessings.

The nine healed lepers received the same miraculous cleansing, yet only one understood that the proper response to mercy is thanksgiving. This Samaritan man, considered an outsider by Jewish standards, demonstrated deeper faith and reverence than those who should have known better. His gratitude moved him to return to Christ, acknowledging that the miracle he received demanded a response of honor and humility. Jesus, noticing the absence of the others, highlighted the rarity of a thankful heart. The lesson remains powerful for us today: blessings should draw us closer to God, not farther away.

In our present day, many people approach God with temporary earthly desires—health, financial stability, protection, emotional relief, or material blessings. While God certainly cares about our needs and invites us to bring our petitions before Him, it is tragic when people pursue Him only until they receive what they want. Once the crisis passes or the blessing arrives, their interest in God fades. They forget to seek what is far more valuable and eternal: the salvation of their souls and a genuine relationship with the One who gave them life.

This story teaches us that the greatest miracle is not the temporary healing of the body, but the transformation of the heart. Jesus said to the grateful man, “Thy faith hath made thee whole,” showing that his healing went beyond the physical. His gratitude was evidence of a heart touched by faith. The other nine received healing but missed the opportunity for deeper spiritual blessing because they did not return to the source of their miracle.

It is therefore essential that we seek God not for what He can give us, but for who He is. God desires worshippers who come to Him with sincere hearts, not transactional motives. True devotion flows from love, reverence, and recognition of God’s holiness. When our service to God is voluntary and motivated by love, it becomes pleasing in His sight. Gratitude keeps our hearts tender, our faith strong, and our focus on eternal things rather than temporary rewards.

May we learn from the one grateful leper. Let us be among the few who return to give glory to God, who acknowledge His goodness, and who walk faithfully with Him even after the blessing has been received. May our hearts remain grateful, our worship sincere, and our desire for God rooted in who He is rather than in what He can give. God bless you.