In a small village along His journey to Jerusalem, Jesus one day met ten men who had a serious illness. This disease was called leprosy, and because of this disease, the men had to live far away from their families and friends. Nobody wanted to approach them because they were afraid of getting infected.
When the ten men saw Jesus, they cried out loudly from afar: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” They had heard that Jesus heals sick people, and they hoped that He could help them.
Jesus saw the men and had compassion on them. He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” In the past, priests checked whether someone was cured of leprosy. The men obeyed Jesus and set off. And while they were walking, something miraculous happened: their skin became pure and healthy!
All ten men were healed, but only one of them, when he noticed that he was healthy, immediately returned to Jesus. He praised God with a loud voice. He fell on his knees before Jesus and thanked Him heartily. This man was a Samaritan, and the Samaritans and Jews often didn’t get along well with each other at the time. But this man knew who had helped him, and he wanted to thank Jesus.
Jesus asked, “Have not ten been healed? Where are the other nine?” Only this one had thought of turning back and thanking him. Then Jesus said to him: “Get up and walk! Your faith saved you.”
The other men were also healed, but only the Samaritan showed his gratitude. Jesus rejoiced in his grateful faith.
Message of history
We learn from history that God is pleased with our thanks. It is important to be grateful and thank God for all the good things in our lives.
Bible passage
Luke 17:11-19 (Schlachter 2000):
“And it came to pass, as he was going into Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And when he came to a village, he met ten lepers who were standing at a distance; and they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” And when he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And it came to pass, while they were going, that they were cleansed. But one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, returned, and praised God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked him; and that was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, “Have not ten been cleansed?” But where are the nine? Has there been no one else who has repented to give glory to God but this stranger? And he said to him, “Get up and go.” Your faith saved you.”
