Portrait of a Thankful Leper

• 10 Lepers - Leprosy – shunned by society; group portrait
  λεπρα – appears to be a broad term for a host of skin diseases; today leprosy is referred to as Hansen’s Disease (19th century); leprosy creates lesions, swollen areas on the skin, attacks the nerves; psoriasis, lupus, ringworm and favus (Bock, 1:42); infectuous, lepers were separated physically; considered ritually unclean; ostracised and shunned; Godet called it “living death”;
• Samaritan – shunned by Jews; Samaritan schism; worshipped on Mt Gerizim;
• Healing & KOG – Coming Messiah was expected to heal; see John the Baptist

Ministering as He “Sets His face” Toward Jerusalem:

"Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee." — Luke 17:11

Travel motif with geographic complexities -

Plea for Healing by Lepers:

"As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, 'Jesus, Master, have pity on us!'" — Luke 17:12-13

Injunction to Visit the Priest:

"When he saw them, he said, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed." — Luke 17:14

Return of Only One Leper:

"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan." — Luke 17:15-16

Three Questions:

"Jesus asked, 'Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?'" — Luke 17:17-18

1. Were not all ten healed? – divine passive; Jesus is not in doubt; rhetorical;
2. Where are the other nine?
3. Was no one found to give praise to God– except this foreigner?

God inhabits the praise of His people

Shouldn’t we give thanks?

Question to you and me: “Do I give praise and thanks to God for all He has done for me?”

Follow up: “How do I give tangible expression to my thanksgiving?”

Time, Talent, Tithe

Samaritan Is Healed and Saved:

"Then he said to him, 'Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'" — Luke 17:19

Rise and be on your way! Faith has made you whole!