The passage from Luke 17:11-19 recounts the story of Jesus healing ten lepers
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Jesus’ Compassion and Healing Power
The ten lepers, suffering from a condition that isolated them from society, cry out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus’ response highlights His compassion and willingness to heal those who are suffering. His instructions to “go, show yourselves to the priests” follows the Mosaic law, which required a priest to declare someone clean (Leviticus 14).
Obedience and Faith
The lepers demonstrate faith by obeying Jesus’ command even before seeing any physical evidence of their healing. Their healing occurs as they follow His instruction, emphasizing the power of obedience and faith.
Gratitude and Recognition
While all ten are healed, only one—a Samaritan—returns to give thanks. This act of gratitude stands in stark contrast to the ingratitude of the other nine. Jesus points out the significance of this thanksgiving, highlighting that true healing encompasses more than just physical restoration; it includes a heart transformed by gratitude.
Inclusivity and Salvation
The fact that the grateful leper is a Samaritan, a group often despised by Jews, underscores Jesus’ message of inclusivity. Salvation and healing are available to all, regardless of ethnic or social barriers. Jesus praises the Samaritan’s faith, further affirming that salvation comes through faith and not by social status or ethnic background.
Faith and Wholeness
Jesus' final words, "Your faith has made you well," indicate that the leper's faith was instrumental not only in his physical healing but also in his spiritual wholeness. This wholeness goes beyond the mere cure of the body, reaching the depths of the soul and establishing a restored relationship with God.
This passage teaches us about the importance of faith, obedience, gratitude, and recognizing Jesus’ role in our lives. It invites us to reflect on how we respond to God’s blessings and to remember to always give thanks.
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