For w/b Monday 12th May 2025
Luke 17:11-19
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’s feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? So where are the other nine? 18 Did none of them return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
Albeit without remembering the decade I first read this passage it did make an immediate and lasting impression. It reminds me of my earlier years which were mostly spent in East, West and Southern Africa where Leprosy was a significant public health concern at the time. As a small child I remember seeing many lepers begging at the side of the roads and vividly recall skin lesions in most and in some disability and disfigurement with hands like claws and others with reduced mobility, caused by nerve damage. But, what impacted me the most was the look in many of these sufferers’ eyes – hopelessness, confusion, shame, anger and resignation – especially when people deliberately chose a wide berth in passing. Sometimes many just had fixed, blank stares. It was very sad to see.
Although keeping their distance as Jesus passed, I sense there was expectation in the ten men who called out to Him for mercy, and in some of faith at the prospect of healing, perhaps having heard of others previously healed by Him. But we read that only one of the lepers, the Samaritan returned to Jesus, prostrating himself in praise and gratitude for this life-changing miracle. This act was a demonstration of true gratitude, humility and faith and an example that God’s Grace is available to everyone.
Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? So where are the other nine?” (v17) Had the others legged it, perhaps excitedly planning how much better life was going to be, rather than going back to Jesus with joyful thanks and praise? They missed an incredible opportunity to deepen their faith by acknowledging the Divinity of Jesus through the fullness of His ministry, including both physical and spiritual healing.
Each time I read this passage, it raises questions about my own responses to God and opportunities missed – both unconsciously, and sadly consciously too. We may discern a quiet, warm, inner certainty in response to a prayer; a response clearly directive to a path we hadn’t thought of or wanted. Understandably it can be easier to do what the nine did – cheer, grab the certainty and run….. missing out on the fullness of God’s Grace.
Do you hold expectation and faith that God will answer your cries for help?
How aware are you of your own Blessings from God?
Do you express your thanks, praising God for all that He does in your life and in the lives of those you love?
Perhaps you would join me in praying daily for discernment in our own responses to God’s voice;
to always offer praise and thanksgiving to the Living Christ and all that He is to us, and in our lives; to give thanks He is always alongside us, full of Love, Grace and Peace – at all times. Amen
Revd Tish Bird
See Previous Reflections here