That You May Know - Pt 16

On the way to Jerusalem he 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 ESV).

Jesus came to minister to individuals and that was one of the reasons that the Jewish population as a whole totally missed seeing that He was their long awaited Messiah. They were looking for a king who would rule and restore their nation, and free them from the bondage they were experiencing under the Roman Empire. However, Jesus came to earth because he deeply cares for individuals. This means that he cares about what you are going through today. Our reading today is the healing of the ten lepers. They raise their voices to get Jesus attention and implore Him saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” They call Jesus by name indicating they recognized Him and therefore knew His reputation for healing people. We can safely presume they had heard about Jesus previously healing a Galilean man of leprosy (cf. Luke 5:15). They also call Him, Master, using epistatēs which means “one who is set over.” This is the only recorded usage other than by the 12 disciples. They recognize Jesus’ authority. It is also significant that they do not specifically ask for healing but instead for mercy. This is a demonstration of humility for mercy is kindness shown to one in great need. This is a plea for pity and action taken to relieve the suffering. But mercy also has an element that recognizes that such kindness is not deserved and so is not demanded. It is a humble request, a plea, an appeal, a prayer. And, it is a prayer that was answered for all ten men. I find it very interesting that only one of the ten returns from showing themselves to the priests as was required by Jewish law. Obviously Jesus knew the results of his healing. He also knew what the response of would be from all those he healed. This means his healing was not motivated in any way by what they might do as a result. They were healed because Jesus took pity on them. He extended grace to each of them regardless of their part in the process. That gives me hope since I know I will never be fit for His grace, but I will always be a recipient. I am His child and He will always give me good gifts, even if it appears as if it is not. My good is secure in Him! That’s the extent of grace!