Samaritan

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: (Luke 17:12)

They could not approach Him. They were diseased and literally rotting away a piece at a time. There were laws creating walls around them, casting them out of society, without hope. Once, millennia ago, Miriam had been cursed then cured; centuries later Naaman was washed clean in Jordan. But these miracles were few and far between.

Until now. Here was a healer whose powers were known far and wide. The lepers came as did so many others, seeking something personal, not so much the Son of God.

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. (Luke 17:13)

It is not written that they asked for healing. It is not written that they confessed their sins. It is only written that they recognized Him as Master, and requested His mercy. Whether for forgiveness or compassion, they called for His mercy. And, it was granted, along with healing:

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. (Luke 17:14)

They left, to comply with the implicit command, and were healed.

One – count them so easily – One returned.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: (Luke 17:15-16a)

The healed man didn’t throw himself at Jesus feet and declare he would follow Christ forever. He gave thanks and glory where it was deserved – glory to God for His unspeakable gift. But there’s a bit more to the story.

and he was a Samaritan. (Luke 17:16b)

Now where did we hear that before? How about a few chapters before when Jesus answered the question: And who is my neighbour? (Luke 10:29b)

What does one do when “Thanks!” is not forthcoming? When all the work is done, and only ten percent of those (helped, healed, fed, clothed, loved, insert the verb of our choice) return and say “Thanks!”

The example Jesus gave us was to just keep on giving, past His own death. Let us proceed to do so.