Luke 17:11-19 – New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers[b] approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean.
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers[b] approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean.
15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’[c] feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
Some Thoughts on Today’s Reading—Pastor Pam
There are three stories in Luke’s story of the lepers. There is a healing story in which Jesus heals 10 people suffering from the then incurable disease of leprosy. A salvation story comes next as one leper turns around and thanks Jesus. This is also a story about outcasts and would-be disciples living on the edges.
In the first story, the healing story, the lepers seek Jesus and ask him to have mercy on them. Jesus instructs them to show themselves to the priests. As they obediently leave to do so, they are healed. When they follow his instructions, healing comes.
The second story concerns the leper who turns back to thank Jesus. Jesus tells the leper his faith has made him well. There is spiritual healing here—salvation comes when the leper gives thanks. Significantly, Jesus seems surprised when only one leper returns to say thank you.
The third story involves those living as outcasts apart from community. There are many ways to be an outcast, alone, disconnected and suffering. As disciples, what do these stories tell us? That there are two forms of healing? That in following we are made well? That faith without gratitude is only half the story Jesus wants for us?
Peace and Grace,
Pastor Pam