Luke 17:11-19 The Ten Lepers

The Text

There are a few idiosyncrasies in the text that, when explained, help in understanding the story of Jesus healing ten lepers.

1. Jesus tells the lepers to show themselves to the priest. The priest will declare them to be clean/free of leprosy. However, strangely, they are not cleansed at this point! As they were on their way to the priest, they were healed.

2. Why did they set out to go to the priest before they were cleansed? They had faith in Jesus and his word, and they were obedient to that word. All ten showed faith.

3. Only one returns to Jesus to give thanks to him. Moreover, Jesus delivers a mild rebuke to the nine who have not returned. However, why (even mildly) rebuke the other nine when they are obeying his command by going to the priest? Even though the other nine acted in obedient faith, and continued to do so by making their way to the priest and not returning to Jesus, something is missing in their faith and obedience.

4. Whatever it was that was missing, this gap did not result in the reversal of the healing. The nine cleansed former lepers continued on their way to the priest. An inadequate response to God's goodness does not result in rejection. God's kindness is not discriminatory. (See Luke 6:35) And notice that the Samaritan received nothing more than the other nine: they were all equally cleansed.

 So, what is missing from the nine that the Samaritan displays? Eucharistia! (Thanksgiving). We do not know if the other nine were thankful or not, but the Samaritan was thankful and returned to Jesus, prostrating himself before Jesus. This faith, that brings him back in thanksgiving, is more than the original faith that sent him to the priest. (The other none have this faith, but only this faith.) And similarly, Jesus' word to him moves from cleansing (when he was cleansed from his leprosy) to Jesus declaring him to be healed/saved. (Lk 17:19)

Final Thoughts

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

We are told to give thanks in all things because nothing can separate us from God’s goodness and presence in Christ. (See Rom 8:31-39) Thanksgiving is evidence (if you like) of a mature and maturing faith. The nurturing of thanksgiving through prayer for our union with Christ and all the benefits that flow from this union is an essential part of our discipleship.