Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
June 30, 2021
Commentary
As Jesus crosses over the border between Samaria and Judea He heals ten lepers at one time (v. 11). He uses this event to teach a lesson about “thankfulness.” This group of ten men was composed of both Jews and Samaritans. Jews and Samaritans would not normally live together but because of their common disease of leprosy the usual religious differences were forgotten. People who had leprosy were required to try to stay away from other people and to announce their presence if they had to come near.
It says that these ten lepers “stood afar off” (v. 12). This is because of the command in Leviticus 13:45-46. They knew that Jesus was able to heal them so they cried out to Him for mercy (v. 13). In response to their cry He commanded them to go show themselves to the priest (v. 14). If a leper thought his leprosy had gone away, he was supposed to present himself to a priest who could declare him clean. When they turned to obey they were healed instantly, for their obedience was evidence of their faith.
You would have expected all ten men to run to Jesus and thank Him for healing them, but only one did, and he was a Samaritan (vv. 15-19). We are not told why the others did not give thanks but perhaps it was because of superstition, ignorance, self-interest, or plain ingratitude.
Application
Before I judge these men too harshly I need to ask myself the question. How often do I take blessings for granted and fail to thank the Lord and live with an attitude of thanksgiving? It is so easy to enjoy the gift but forget the giver.
Luke 17:11– 19 (NET)
11 Now on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was entering a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance, 13 raised their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went along, they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He fell with his face to the ground at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. (Now he was a Samaritan.) 17 Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to turn back and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to the man, “Get up and go your way. Your faith has made you well.”