Luke chapter 17 verses 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.”
Another familiar report of miraculous healing. What stuck me first was the fact that initially the lepers accorded Jesus due deference. They called Him “Master.”
Secondly He told them to show themselves to the priests. The healing happened when they set off in obedience.
Thirdly, only one came back in worship and thanks. Did that mean that the others didn’t really see Jesus as Master after all, now they’d got what they hoped for?
Let’s not just say the right things for appearance sake. Let’s always be sincere and even if it takes time to go back, let’s never forget to thank God for mercies received.
Dear Lord,
The leper who came back was doubly blessed. Surely he felt Jesus’ smile of benediction on him. Help me never to take Your blessings for granted. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.