Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”
LUKE 17:17–19
One of ten men banished to the outskirts of the village on the border between Galilee and Samaria, he was the only Samaritan in the group—a foreigner from a race despised by the Jews as half-breed idolaters. But his ethnicity didn’t matter anymore. Leprosy leveled the playing field. Jew or Samaritan, they all shared the same destiny. Barring a miracle, they would all live the same destitute, lonely life, separated from their families and the lives they once enjoyed. The law required that they stay away from others to prevent the contagious disease from spreading. If they needed something or had to come close, the law required that they announce themselves by shouting “Unclean!” repeatedly so the people could scatter and let them pass. It was humiliating. He longed to hold his family and children close again. He longed for touch, for community. As it stood, the only human contact he had was with these nine leprous Jews. It was no way to live, and it was no way to die.
Yes, he needed a miracle. And that’s exactly what they were hoping for today. They heard Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, so He would have to pass by their village. Jesus had healed multitudes of people, including those with leprosy, with a touch of His hand or simply by speaking the words. They had been watching for Him from a distance. As He entered the village, one of them shouted, “Ah, there He is!” They all began crying out together, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Looking up and seeing the ten men, He simply said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”
Now, it was the law that if a leper thought his disease was gone, he had to go present himself to a priest to be examined, and the priest would declare him clean. Without pause, he, along with the other nine lepers, began running for the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. When the Samaritan realized what had happened, he stopped in his tracks. He looked down at his clear skin. Jesus, Jesus, I am healed! I am clean! Overwhelmed with emotion, he turned and ran back to the place where Jesus had spoken to him and fell to the ground at His feet. “Praise God!” he shouted. “Thank You for healing me!” Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you” (Luke 17:11–19).
After the priest confirmed their healing, the other nine men probably ran through the city rejoicing and reuniting with their families and friends. Even though this man yearned for his family, too, he celebrated first by thanking Jesus and giving God all the glory for healing and restoration. He was clearly humbled by the mercy Jesus had shown him. Jesus responded to his gratitude and worshipful attitude by telling him the important role faith played in his healing.
Jesus sent these ten men to the priests before they were healed, and they simply believed Jesus. They didn’t wait for the healing to manifest. By faith, they believed the priests would declare them clean. But by returning to Jesus, the Samaritan received more. Jesus used his gratitude to teach him more about Himself. Our worship, gratefulness, and humility will always release more spiritual revelation and a greater understanding of God’s grace. When God shows His mercy and healing comes, thank Him first. Give glory to God.
Father, like these ten lepers, I cry out for Your mercy. I am desperate to be healed and restored. Please give me a faith so strong that I can step out and take action and believe that my healing has come before I see the physical evidence! Help me to believe You at Your word.
Lord, forgive my ungratefulness and the times I have forgotten to give You the glory for every blessing and each answered prayer in my healing journey. I want to grow in my understanding of Your grace. I want to grow in my knowledge of You. I humble myself before You, Lord! I worship You! Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for healing me! I give You the glory.