Gospel
11 As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him 13 and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” 14 And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; 16 and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? 18 Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” 19 Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Historical Background
Jesus is traveling “along the border between Samaria and Galilee” (v.11), a region marked by ethnic tension and religious division. Jews and Samaritans had centuries of hostility rooted in differing worship practices and claims to sacred space.
The encounter occurs as Jesus is en route to Jerusalem, a journey that in Luke’s Gospel symbolizes His movement toward suffering, death, and resurrection (cf. Luke 9:51).
“Leprosy” in biblical usage refers broadly to skin diseases, not necessarily Hansen’s disease. These conditions rendered individuals ritually unclean (Leviticus 13–14). Lepers were socially ostracized, required to live outside towns and announce their condition from a distance (Leviticus 13:45–46). This explains why the ten men “stood at a distance” (v.12).
Healing required priestly verification before reintegration into society (v.14), aligning with Mosaic law.
The one who returns is a Samaritan (v.16), a detail that heightens the drama. Samaritans were viewed as religious outsiders and heretics by Jews. His gratitude contrasts with the silence of the nine, possibly Jewish lepers, underscoring the outsider’s unexpected faith.
Theological Context
Jesus tells the Samaritan, “Your faith has made you well” (v.19). The Greek word used—σέσωκέν (sesōken)—can mean physical healing, spiritual salvation, or both. The healing of all ten is miraculous, but only one experiences the fullness of salvation through gratitude and worship.
The Samaritan’s return to praise God and fall at Jesus’ feet (v.16) is a profound act of worship. It reflects a heart transformed—not just healed. Jesus’ rhetorical question, “Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (v.18), critiques religious complacency and elevates the faith of the outsider.
The kingdom of God is open to those on the margins—Gentiles, Samaritans, sinners—who respond in faith. It parallels the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) and anticipates the inclusion of Gentiles in Acts.
Learning Lessons
Jesus emphasizes that the man's faith has made him well. This teaches us that faith plays a crucial role in our spiritual and physical healing.
Only one of the ten lepers who were healed returned to thank Jesus, showing us the value of expressing our gratitude for the blessings we receive. By returning to give praise to God, the healed man sets an example of how we should respond to God's blessings.
The man who returned to thank Jesus was a foreigner, which underscores the inclusivity of God's grace. It reminds us that God's love and mercy are available to all, regardless of their background or status.
These lessons inspire us to cultivate gratitude, strengthen our faith, embrace inclusivity, and always recognize God's work in our lives.
In a moment of divine embrace,
A healing touch, a gift of grace.
Ten were healed, but one returned,
With grateful heart, his spirit burned.
"Rise and go," the Savior said,
"Your faith has made you well," He led.
A simple trust, a humble plea,
Brought forth a miracle, set him free.
In faith, we find our strength and peace,
A bond with God that will not cease.
For in His love, we are made whole,
A healing balm for every soul.
So let us rise, with faith anew,
And walk the path that He leads us through.
For in His words, we find our way,
Our faith in Him, our hope each day.
Dear Lord Jesus,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude and faith. We thank You for Your healing power and the miracles You perform in our lives. Just as You healed the leper and told him to rise and go, we ask for Your healing touch in our lives today.
Strengthen our faith, Lord, so that we may trust in Your promises and believe in Your power to make us whole. Help us to rise above our challenges and walk in the path You have set before us. May our faith be a testament to Your grace and mercy.
Teach us to always return to You with thanksgiving, recognizing Your hand in every blessing we receive. Let our lives be a reflection of Your love and a witness to the world of Your healing power.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Reflection Source:
Published:
November 13, 2024, 5:52 AM
