Scripture: On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19 ESV
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Observation: Recapping Yesterday’s Daily Focus, Jesus, building on his teachings of repentance and faith, presents a reality check to his disciples regarding their attitudes. Through analogy, Jesus reminds them that a servant should not expect equality with their master nor gratitude for fulfilling their duty. Instead, they should display humility by expressing their unworthiness and acknowledging that they have only done their duty.
Today’s reading marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry as he sets his sight on Jerusalem for the last time. Building on the theme of gratitude, Luke tells us that as Jesus enters a village along the border of Samaria and Galilee, ten lepers approach him but observe social distancing (Leviticus 13:45-46). Crying out for mercy to him, Jesus commands the lepers to present themselves to the priests to confirm their healing—unlike earlier in his ministry when he touched a leper and immediately healed him (Luke 5:12-16).
Along the way, all experience healing, but only one, a Samaritan, returns and expresses his gratitude to Jesus. Making a point for all his disciples and onlookers to observe, Jesus then questions where the other nine are and notes that only a “foreigner” has returned to praise God. Finally, he speaks directly to the man and commissions him to rise and go, adding that his faith has made him well.
Takeaway: We read elsewhere of those healed by Christ or by the Holy Spirit who praised God, whether the blind man at Jericho (18:35-43) or the lame man at the gate to the temple (Acts 3:1-10). But here we read that the grace of God extends beyond God’s chosen people to a Gentile who believes that Jesus is the Master, and only he praises God. And Luke alone uses the Greek word epistata (translated as “Master”) to chronicle these poignant interactions with Jesus, whether here or when Peter refers to him as Master (5:5).
So while all were desperate enough to follow his command (likely because the news had traveled that Jesus had the power to heal like the ancient prophets of Israel), only one felt gratitude that provoked him to return and worship his Master. Resultantly, as Luke presents two Greek words to describe the depth of their healing, while all were “cleansed” (ekatharisthēsan, v.14), only one was “made well” (sesōken, v.19): the Samaritan. Jesus healed him to the depth of his soul.
Our takeaway? If we submit to the commands of our Master revealed in Scripture that foster our gratitude and affection for him, whether or not we experience physical healing, we will find restoration for our souls that brings us joy (John 15:7-11). The healed Samaritan, having praised Jesus loudly and fallen prostrate before him, thanking him, undoubtedly experienced much joy. And similar to the Samaritan, our attitudes of gratitude will mature us in our faith and make our journey to our eternal home (John 14:2) joyous.
Prepare: Father God, we thank you for your Son who, for the joy set before him, endured the cross for us (Hebrews 12:2). So would you please help us to develop attitudes of gratitude for the big and small ways you and your Son are healing us to the depths of our souls through the sanctifying work of your Holy Spirit so that we might joyfully praise you as we journey onward and upward? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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