If you’re having trouble thinking of things you’re thankful for, may I suggest you give thanks that you don’t have leprosy. The Bible speaks about these devastating skins diseases in both Old and New Testaments. If you had leprosy, you were labeled a “leper” and condemned as unclean. Banished from society, these poor folks suffered together in groups, avoiding society and awaiting the inevitable.
So, we understand the setting when Jesus “was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’” (Luke 17:12-13). They didn’t want to get too close to the Lord, but they asked for what they needed most: “have mercy on us.”
With compassion Jesus gives them a command that will reveal their faith. He says, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” This is what a person was to do after they were healed from such a disease (Leviticus 13-14). Faith would be demonstrated if they headed to the Temple while still having leprosy.
That’s just what they did, “and as they went they were cleansed” (v. 14). No medicine. No essential oils. They turn, and they’re healed. And off they go (racing?) to the Temple. Cleansed.
“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks” (vv. 15-16). Ten men healed, but only one stopped to express his gratitude?
And Jesus says, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” (v. 17). I don’t want to be like the nine. I want to always remember all the healing Jesus has done in my soul. This week, may we also be praising God with a loud voice, face down at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks.
