In our daily devotionals, we are focusing on the Lord Jesus' supernatural power during His time on Earth. In today's passage, we read about the kind of faith that pleases God. We're not referring to faith in faith—that does nothing to please the Father. Faith in God and in the One He has sent is what truly pleases Him (John 6:29; Hebrews 11:6).
11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well" (Luke 17:11-19).
The Distance Between Suffering and Mercy
Lepers had to stay outside the city and community, sounding a bell or crying "unclean, unclean” when someone came near (Leviticus 13:45-46). They could re-enter the city’s community and social network only if they received the priest's approval of their health (Leviticus 14:2).
Steps of Faith: Acting Before You See the Miracle
Verse 12 describes how the ten lepers stayed at a distance, calling out to Christ for mercy. Notably, Jesus asked them to act based on His Word and do what a healed leper would do, even before their healing was visible. He called for them to take steps of faith and trust His promise. Instead of touching them, as He had done in Luke 5:13, Jesus told them to present themselves to the priest for a medical examination. They were healed while en route to the priest. It might have seemed illogical to seek a healing certificate from the priest with their faces and limbs still affected by leprosy. To some, trusting God can seem illogical. Among the ten was a Samaritan, who was usually looked down upon by the Jews, but suffering often shifts those distinctions.
Why the Samaritan’s Gratitude Touched God’s Heart
What do you think the Samaritan was contemplating as he set out to see the Jewish priest? Might he have harbored doubts about Jesus? He clearly recognized that Jesus was a Jew from His attire—the four tassels, or tzitzit, that all male Jews are commanded to wear at the corners of their garments (Numbers 15:38; Deuteronomy 22:12). When did the miracle of healing actually happen? Imagine their surprise when, at some point on the way, they noticed their fingers growing, their toes filling their shoes, and their skin softening and their noses reshaping! One of them, the Samaritan, was overwhelmed with praise for God and couldn't contain his joy. He separated himself from the others to find Jesus and express his thanks. Running back, he knew exactly how to show his gratitude when he saw Christ. He poured out his emotions and praised God aloud (v. 15). Approaching Jesus, he fell to the ground (v. 16), joyfully glorifying Him. He trusted in Jesus' Word and acted on his faith, witnessing God's power in his life. His gratitude surely touched the Lord’s heart! Let us always remember to thank God for all He does for us.
Challenge: Trusting God with Your Impossible Situation
Let me challenge you: Think of a situation that needs resolution. It may seem impossible to you, but dare to believe that God can work through your simple faith. Is anything too difficult for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14). Call out to Him and ask for the faith to believe He will accomplish what you request. Then praise Him loudly! Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
If you found this meditation meaningful, there is much more to explore about God’s plan in The Gospel of Luke, Study 45, Ten Healed of Leprosy.
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