Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And He was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except for this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19
Faith is like a seed; it seems small and weak, but it has life in it, and if it is exercised or cultivated, it will grow and release power in our life. Jesus public statement concerning the Samaritan’s response from his healing can show results from his faith. The Greek word translated “has made you well” can be translated “has made you whole” indicating that his healing was complete. It is the same Greek word often translated “to save” and is the normal New Testament word for saving from sin, suggesting strongly that the Samaritan who was once a leper, yet demonstrated faith in Jesus leading to his salvation. Evidently, even though a Samaritan was despised by the Jews, Jesus did not view Samaritans as anything more or less than other Gentiles. Leprosy always represents sin in the Bible, and here Jesus gives a clear indication of how an encounter with Him can lead to not only healing, but also being made whole. How many people who profess their need of Christ “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Yet, do not follow through to obey the Word of God. Notice, the healing was sudden, and immediately visible, but occurred after they obeyed His command. Another observation we can make: Jesus’ sending the lepers to show themselves to the priest suggest that they were Jewish. And this Samaritan was allowed or had been permitted to associate with them while ceremonially defiled and forced to live outside the village, but in their receiving from the Lord their healing, the other nine did not share his deep gratitude. Where are the other nine? How often has the Lord had to say this when it comes to us today? We have seen demonstrations by people who have professed faith in Christ, have received from Him forgiveness of their sins, yet, do not live with gratitude nor with a thankful spirit, or a thankful heart. There is a correlation of evidence in the life of a true believer that can be seen by their thankfulness. You can see this behavior very clearly in their lives, first in their public confession of Christ, their gratefulness of their salvation, and then also with their great love and thankfulness for their fellow believers.
Beloved friend, Jesus Christ was obedient to die for us out of love. Now we are to be obedient to live for Him out of love, with thankfulness in our hearts, This demands that we truly allow His mind with all its selflessness, sacrifice, servanthood, humility with longsuffering to shape our lives. Grace is everything for those who deserve nothing!
May the Lord bless your walk!
J.V.
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