The answer is: Samaritan

Luke 17:15-16

In the miraculous healing of the ten lepers recounted in Luke 17, we encounter a simple yet profound twist in the tale. While all ten were physically healed by the compassionate Jesus, only one returns to express gratitude—and he's a Samaritan! This detail isn't incidental; it speaks volumes about social and religious dynamics of that time.

For centuries, Samaritans were viewed with suspicion by the Jewish community. They were a group who had intermarried with non-Jewish peoples and held different interpretations of the Scriptures, making them often targets of scorn. Yet, here we see a Samaritan as the outstanding beacon of appreciation, demonstrating that true gratitude transcends background and social standings. Jesus even highlights this as a point of teaching, reminding us all that recognition of grace is more important than cultural divisions.

Fun trivia here: the concept of Thanksgiving isn't just unique to modern culture; many ancient traditions emphasized the importance of gratitude. In Hebrew practice, expressing thanks through prayer and offerings was an integral part of their worship.

Moreover, the broader lesson of this account encourages a spirit of thankfulness today. In moments of great kindness or healing—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual—are we like those nine lepers who go about their lives after being blessed, or will we take the time to return and acknowledge the source of our good fortune? Gratitude has an incredible power to bind communities and uplift hearts, fostering a deeper personal connection to the sacred.