And as they went they were cleansed. Luke 17.14
On the way to Jerusalem he (Jesus) was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were 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. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? And he said to him, “Rise and go your way, your faith has made you well.” Luke 17.11-19
Two pieces stand out for me each time I read this passage. The saving and the going.
The saving. All ten lepers were cleansed by Jesus. Only one turned back to thank Him and that person is declared well.
The word well here is the same word as saved. Just as we’ve recently read in Luke of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with her tears (7.50), of the demon-possessed man (8.36), of the woman who had bled for 12 years (8.48), of Jairus’ daughter (8.50), and of the blind beggar near Jericho (18.42). Man or woman’s faith in Jesus as the Healer, as the Rescuer, made them well; healed them; saved them!
Not just his skin was cleansed but his heart changed, his trust in Jesus acknowledged and expressed. Rescued!
The going. The ten men stood far off, not amongst others from the village. Distance was required due to their condition of leprosy, potentially a highly contagious skin disease. By law, they were required to stay away from others, could not stay with their families unless (until) they were declared “clean” by the priests. You can read God’s thorough instructions about leprosy in Leviticus 13 and 14 in the Old Testament. This is not a light read over lunch but so worthy of seeing God’s intricate care of His people.
They cried out to Jesus for mercy – a chance, a hope! Will this remarkable man of God heal us?
Jesus, honoring Jewish law, sends them to the priests, implying there will be noticeable change from before they cried out to Him for mercy.
And as they went they were cleansed. As they went they were cleansed. Not while calling out to Jesus, not while standing hopefully, but as they went. As they trusted and so went as commanded by Jesus.
This passage always convicts me. What am I asking God about in prayer but not trusting Him for? Not taking trust-filled steps forward? I can sit here feeling stuck (even grumbling but not praying – ugh!) or I can courageously call out, trust, and go. I’m going to choose to go. How about you?
With all hope in Him who rescued me, praying this for you also, Colleen