Which Group Are You In?

 

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).

 

Our reading today takes us a bit further along the journey through Lent. As Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem for the last time, He and His disciples meet ten men suffering from leprosy. As was the requirement, they cried out in warning. It was accompanied by a cry of mercy since they realized who approached. Asking no questions, he said simply, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” According to custom, the priests would determine if they were healed. The ten men obeyed, and along the way they noticed they were healed. It was obvious.

 

I can’t imagine their elation. What would have been lifelong banishment was over! They were cleansed, and now they could be part of the community again. They could go home! However, our lesson comes from the example of “the foreigner.” He saw his healing and hurried back, praising God with excitement, not caring what anyone thought. He was loud. He was ecstatic. After all, he was healed! Throwing himself at Jesus’ feet, the Samaritan did what we expected from all ten who had been healed. He took the time to thank his healer.

 

Yet where were the other nine? Jesus’ question prompts us all to think about our thankfulness. The thankful Samaritan was healed physically and spiritually, as Jesus pointed out: “Your faith has made you well.” Healed from the deadly disease of sin, we need to ask, “How do I express thanks for my healing?” Which group do you walk with… the grateful or not?