Luke 17:11-19
It is the story of the Ten Lepers whom Jesus healed on the borders of Samaria and Galilee. Let us dive deep to obtain some spiritual significance from this part of scripture.
In Jesus’ days, lepers were unclean. Thus, they cannot live inside the village till they become clean from leprosy. Nevertheless, once cured they must obtain a Certificate of Spotlessness from the priest to continue their civilian affairs.
These men, who were in agony have had heard/known Jesus (since they call Him by name) and were expecting His arrival (anytime) at the outskirts of the village. The moment the Master arrived at the spot, they cried out to Him from a distance (v12) pleading for His mercy upon them. Therefore, Jesus had mercy on them and ordered the men to present themselves to the priests (v14). Hearing that, the lepers ran towards the temple. On the way, to their surprise, they discovered that healing had taken place on their bodies and cleansed them from their infirmity (v14).
While at the same time, out of ten, one man wanted to see Jesus first instead of a priest. The rest would have reminded him about what Jesus said (i.e., to show yourselves to the priests). However, he wanted to see Jesus first, for he knew that the priests he can see anytime but not Jesus (this reminds me of a verse in Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near”.
He came back with a loud voice praising God (v15) for His mercy toward him. Remember, earlier they all cried out in a loud voice for help. He also fell at the feet of Jesus (v16). Earlier, he was one among the ten standing at a distance. In other words, the miracle he had received made him a way to get closer to Jesus. He also said a thank you straight to the One who healed him.
However, Jesus questioned him and asked, “Where are the other nine”? And the answer to this question was quite simple. Yes! Of course, they all went to receive the attestation from the priest as Jesus commanded. But then why He wanted the other nine to meet Him in person? Because that is the expectation of God towards the human race. That we should come closer to the Creator voluntarily, and not navigated by a rule book or tradition or ceremonial law.
Whereas the Samaritan who returned to praise God realized the power of God in Jesus’ words and convinced that He should be God. On the other hand, a Samaritan in the Jewish Community's sight is a sinner, but only that sinner discovered that Jesus is God, and He is worthy of praise.
Today, Jesus expects you and I to get closer to Him and have a good relationship. Are we busy running to fulfil the church activities? Or diligent enough to do the work of God? Or carrying out the traditions of the temple/elders? Or have become an ‘I’ Specialist (I, me, and myself)? Come on, be still and know that He (Jesus) is your God.
Maintain a good relationship with Him for He waits for your attention. Jesus longs for your love and worship, please do not disappoint Him with your genuine agenda.
Things to consider about the other nine lepers:
They chose to fulfil the ritual rites that the Book of Law demanded rather than an encounter with the One who gave the Law to them.
They forgot to realize that the One who healed them was greater than the priests and the temple they earnestly looked for.
Their priority was not God but their own lives.
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I am blessed. Thanks