Luke 17:11-19 NIV — 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.”

This scripture has always intrigued me. I have often pondered why only one leper came back to thank Jesus. Weren’t the others thankful? Why didn’t they show their gratitude? Let’s think about this together. First of all leprosy was such a terrible disease. When someone contracted leprosy they were cast away as an outsider. We do not know any other background information on these men. Who were they before leprosy stole their identity? What was their background? Were they married or did they have children? How long had they been held prisoner by this disease? So many factors occurred before bringing them to this point of healing by Jesus. Was this their first knowledge of Jesus? Imagine being an outcast cut off from your family and community. Imagine the pain, suffering and loneliness that they had endured. Now imagine their moment of healing. Imagine all the thoughts that they may have experienced. Perhaps they were so overjoyed that they ran off to find their friends and family. Perhaps they were so relieved to be able to leave this area that had caused them so much suffering. Whatever the reasons, they failed to thank the One who had given them the healing they had longed to receive. Take time today to examine your response to God’s healing and forgiveness. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your healing and forgiveness. Forgive me for failing to respond with gratitude immediately to Your goodness and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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