The Miracles of Jesus Part 32: Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers on the Way to Jerusalem
Luke 17:11-19 Obedience AND gratitude are essential if we follow Jesus
“While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised 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 were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.””
Luke 17:11-19 NASB1995
Jesus is nearing the end of His earthly ministry in the Galilee region and is on His way to Jerusalem. He passes through the midst of Galilee and Samaria, probably on a road similar to one in the photo I selected (the photo is supposedly near Jericho). Reading commentary, this journey is symbolic, in that He passes between the Jewish region and the Samaritan (Gentile) regions, rather than taking the “safe” road. He is navigating the “middle course”, quietly proclaiming His salvation for all people.
As He enters a village, there are ten men suffering from leprosy gathered in a group, likely on the fringes of the town because of the onerous restrictions put on those who suffered from this terrible disease. They raise their voices and call out to Him, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”. Jesus does not approach them or lay hands on them, but tells them to go and show themselves to the priests. The lepers demonstrate incredible faith by obeying and going in the direction of the priests and they were instantly cleansed in that moment.
One of the men turned back as he saw that he was healed, glorifying God, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks to Him. The man with the gratitude and certain recognition that Jesus was the Messiah was a Samaritan and it was likely in that group of ten there were both Jews and Samaritans, united in their misery with a dread disease and also symbolically demonstrating their shared humanity (Jew and Gentile) outside the considerations of strict Jewish laws. Jesus addresses the man (and the nine who walked away) and asks if no one was found who returned to give glory to God, except the Samaritan (foreigner). He tells the man that his faith has made him well.
There is a lot to unpack in this miracle and questions that could be asked, if you think about the various aspects of what occurs:
What created the confidence and faith in the ten men that they could start walking towards the synagogue without having any physical interaction with Jesus but just on His word?
What did the priests do when they saw the cleansed lepers? The lepers knew who cleansed them and likely told the priests. This is a significant miracle, so why didn’t more of the Jewish priest and scribe class proclaim Jesus as the Messiah? They kept asking for signs and wonders from Him and they were blind to the incredible signs and wonders that He created all around them (see more about that below).
Why did only one of the lepers recognize that there was more to this healing than just physical well-being? He wanted to receive spiritual healing as well and returned to worship and thank Jesus for his recovery. His faith made him well in more than one way.
In researching this devotional, I found an interesting link in Precept Austin to a scholar named Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, who is cited as an expert on a messianic Christian group (see the embedded link for more information). Dr. Fruchtenbaum has carefully studied the prophecies about the Messiah that were recognized by the Jewish leaders over the centuries. To quality as messianic healings, there were three types of healings that only the Messiah could perform:
Healing of a leper (leprosy was considered horrific and incurable)
Healing of a person born blind (considered an impossible task and the blindness was also thought to be a penalty for the sins of the parents)
Casting out of a demon from a victim who is mute (Jewish exorcists believed they needed to know the name of the demon)
As readers know from my exploration of the miracles of Jesus, He performed all three types of miracles, more than once, including healing ten lepers all at once and instantaneously as noted in this miracle. The overwhelming evidence was seen, was examined as required by rabbinical law (especially in the case of the blind man that was healed) and was summarily rejected. Jesus pronounced the unbelievers as being guilty of the unforgivable sin (blasphemy of the Holy Spirit) because they accused Him of being the devil. A fourth miracle that also passes this messianic test is the raising of Lazarus from the dead after four days (see my next devotional).
As someone who has a compulsion to evangelize and bring the lost to salvation (all believers should have that commission in their hearts), I find that human behavior is really challenging to overcome! The religious leaders at the time of Jesus had more than enough evidence right in front of their eyes to declare Him the Messiah and even had miracles that touched on their community (including a child raised from the dead) but Jesus didn’t meet their “expectations” of a prophesied worldly leader who would free the Jews from occupation and oppression.
Many of the lost people today have hardened their hearts to any discussions about Jesus, because they have “expectations” that they would have to give up their “fun” and instant gratifications (most that are sinful) and they think that the commandments from God are bigoted and hateful; belief in God is also “anti-science” (said by many of the same people who believe that a man can get pregnant). Steve and I are taking some on-line evangelism training to help with those difficult “cold” conversations and were pleased to read an article on Desiring God on May 1 from John Piper saying that even evangelizing to other Christians is a good start on finding ways to express the truth (thanks for reading Heaven On Wheels!).
Now, a little bit more about gratitude. Obedience and gratitude are two of the key foundational elements of the Christian life. The leper who obeyed, saw his healing, then returned and worshipped and thanked Jesus (one out of ten) is probably proportional to the number of people in this world who are grateful daily for what they have or have received in prayer rather than looking on in envy, wrath, greed and lust at what other people have and then whining about it or demanding that someone make it “fair”. I am trying to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in everything, including the trials and problems that occur (that’s very challenging). Here’s a short excerpt from Enduring Word on how a prominent Biblical scholar reacted with gratitude in a difficult circumstance (how do you compare?):
We can always find reason for gratitude before God. Matthew Henry, the famous Bible commentator, was robbed of his wallet once. He wrote in his diary that night all the things he was thankful about:
First, that he had never been robbed before.
Second, that though they took his wallet, they did not take his life.
Third, because even though they took it all, it wasn’t very much.
Finally, because he was the one who was robbed and not the one who did the robbing.
When doing intercessory prayers, I often spend a great part of the time in thankfulness, after repentance. Here are some of the things I thank God for:
I thank God for my salvation through Jesus Christ.
I thank God for prayer.
I thank God for today.
I thank God for friends and family.
I thank God for power over the enemy.
I thank God for His perfect timing.
I thank God for our church.
I thank God for His faithfulness.
I thank God for love.
I thank God for wisdom.
I thank God for annoyances.
I thank God for His provision.
I thank God for our gifts and talents.
I thank God for forgiveness.
I thank God for my true identity in Christ.
I thank God for the Bible.
I thank God for how the story ends.
I thank God for His creation.
God is powerful, a healer, a provider and speaks to us. A quick story about answers to prayer: As readers may recall, I had a health scare a month ago with a pretty serious abdominal abscess (infection). A drain had to be put in to remove the infection and that drain is in the process of healing. I went for prayer at church a couple of weeks ago and we all prayed for accelerated healing. I saw the surgeon yesterday and she was amazed at how fast this was healing, telling me that I should be healed very soon, when it normally takes a lot longer. Never doubt, believer! God answers prayers, but do keep in mind the answers could be “wait” or “no”, not just “yes”.
So what did we learn from this miracle?
Jesus heals ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem: Jesus encounters ten lepers near a village and they ask Him for mercy, addressing Him as Master. He tells them to go and show themselves to the priests, instantly healing them without touching them. One of the ten returns and worships Jesus, thanking Him for the healing. All of the lepers expressed obedience to His will, but only one, who was a Samaritan, wanted more from Him (spiritual healing) and was grateful to God.
My next devotional examines one of the most consequential miracles done by Jesus in the New Testament, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, as documented in the Gospel of John.
Heaven on Wheels Daily Prayer:
Dear Lord - Help me, every day, to be obedient to Your will and to be grateful for Your abundant blessings. Thank you for Your healing, Your provision, Your salvation, Your Word, Your wisdom, Your forgiveness, and Your faithfulness. Amen.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Commentary from Enduring Word from David Guzik is used with written permission.
The Miracle List:
Water to wine: Jesus can overcome time, He creates beauty and abundance, and He shares in our joy.
Healing of the official’s son: Jesus can overcome space (distance), He does not need to see the person He heals, He has infinite power, but He also wants us to believe without signs and wonders.
Casting out of the evil spirit in the synagogue: The authority of Jesus is recognized by the demons and He triumphs over evil and silences it.
Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law: Jesus does not need crowds to demonstrate His power and He has compassion about the needs of one person, even if those needs seem smaller and only worthy of a couple of verses of scripture.
Healing and casting out demons of many in Capernaum (at Peter’s house): Jesus has compassion on all who come to Him and has no conditions that He places on giving them His mercy. He can heal instantly with a light touch and again demonstrates authority over demons and silences them.
Miraculous catch of fish on the Sea of Galilee: Jesus demonstrates His powers over His creation, He once again brings abundance, and He teaches humble fishermen that their task of bringing souls to Him is the most important thing they can do. They must follow Him.
Cleansing of the Leper: Jesus is willing to heal us, is compassionate towards those who suffer and can instantly cure a dreadful and feared disease. We must have faith when circumstances seem hopeless.
Healing of the Centurion’s Servant: Jesus came so that anyone who believes on His name is saved, Jew or Gentile. One of the most humble and devout persons that He encounters during His ministry is a Roman Centurion who cares and loves a servant who is sick or paralyzed. Jesus has instant authority over this illness, again eliminating space (distance) as a barrier to healing; He also marvels at this man’s faith.
Healing of the paralytic passed through the roof: Jesus demonstrates His ultimate authority as the Son of God to forgive sins and to heal a condition that seems irreversible. He can sense and read the hearts and thoughts of others. He turns a major disruption into a lesson on forgiveness. The friends of the paralytic show tremendous faith in how they solve this problem.
Healing of the withered hand on the Sabbath: Jesus can instantaneously heal a chronic condition, restoring a hand to full function. The man he heals exhibits great faith in His ability to heal and obeys Him. Jesus also challenges the assumptions and rules that have taken the place of faith and wisdom in the hearts of the Pharisees and Scribes. His anger is righteous; their rage is murderous.
Raising of the widow’s son from death: Jesus is filled with compassion for the suffering and grief of others. He has power over death and can restore us to joy and hope in the face of a hopeless situation. His endless grace and the power of His word are sufficient. We are to spring into action, serving Him and bringing His hope to the hopeless.
Taming the storm on the Sea: Jesus has the unlimited power to tame nature and He calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee instantly. His disciples, after seeing one miracle after another before this, are struck with memory loss when this crisis hits and forget that He is the Creator of the Universe and creation will obey Him. Jesus is there in the storms of life for those who believe on His name.
Casting demons into a herd of pigs: Jesus has the ultimate authority over evil and demons must have His permission to even enter into animals that immediately die. Demon possession is a real thing, but is likely rare and would not occur in a believer who is under the power of the Holy Spirit. We should not get so comfortable with evil surrounding us that we are fearful of holiness and good. Jesus wants us to tell others about His power and healing and to be without superstitions.
Healing of a woman with a bleeding disorder: Jesus knows when His healing powers are used and, with great love and compassion, tells this daughter of the Kingdom that her faith has made her well. Casual contact with Jesus doesn’t save us. We are saved by coming to Him with everything (sins, sufferings, distractions, hopes, and belief). Jesus cleanses and revives us!
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus from the dead: Jesus, the Son of God, has power over life and death. His power is infinite - healing can come from a touch of His garment or a touch from His hands. His compassion is infinite. His words can bring a person back to life and He knows for those who believe that death is just sleep. Just as in His time, our age is filled with mockers and scorners and we must pray for those lost souls.
Jesus heals two blind men: Faith and persistence leads to miracles. Jesus extends mercy and compassion to those who are suffering and recognize Him as the Messiah, by healing two blind men who follow Him.
A mute demoniac is healed and speaks: Jesus has ultimate authority over evil and easily casts out a demon, allowing a man to finally speak. The Pharisees are not impressed and accuse Him of being a demon. As He continues His ministry and healings, He laments the lack of harvesters.
A man is healed by Jesus by the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath: Jesus homes in on a man among the many who has hopelessly waited for healing in the pool for 38 years. He asks him if he wants healing, then tells him to stand, take up his pallet, and walk. We are all waiting for something, but we should stop waiting and be actively seeking Him in our everyday lives through our worship and prayers. Human-made rules and rituals can separate us from our Creator, who is working to sustain us and His creation.
The feeding of the 5000+: Jesus is compassionate and involves his believers in provided abundance. Nothing is too meager or small for the Lord to use in a big way. The disciples continue to look for worldly answers to solve problems and He points them, once again, to His supernatural abilities. People are physically hungry and God’s resources should not be wasted. The Word is also needed to feed the masses spiritually.
Jesus walks on water: Jesus again demonstrates mastery over creation by walking on deep waters. His disciples don’t initially recognize Him, but when they do, Peter wants to join Him (Matthew account). Peter walks in faith a short distance, then is distracted by a worldly fear (the wind). Jesus grabs him to help home and asks him why he has so little faith and is full of doubts. The disciples declare Him the son of God.
Healing the many in Genneserat: Jesus has absolute power over Nature and over sickness. He heals many, often just from their touch of His garments. The crowds recognize Him but do not know Him.
Jesus heals the demon-possessed daughter of a Gentile: Jesus travels to a Gentile region and the only recorded act there is His response to the deep faith of a Gentile woman, who even turns aside His gentle remonstrations. She is the only person who is told directly that her faith is strong. The healing is once again a remote and instant casting out of the demon in the woman’s daughter.
Jesus heals a deaf and (mostly) dumb man: Jesus uses His supernatural healing powers in many different ways. He has compassion on this man and sighs heavenward when seeing the suffering in front of Him and uses unique healing techniques. He instantly heals this man’s hearing and speech, leaving many astounded.
The feeding of the 4,000+: Jesus can provide sustenance to those who are hungry for His word. He again miraculously creates adequate real food for thousands who are listening to Him, while also having to deal with the blindness and deafness of His disciples, who cannot put the big picture together and think outside their narrow worldly boxes of “reality”.
Jesus restores the sight of a blind man near Bethsaida: Jesus uses natural and supernatural methods to restore the sight of a blind man, giving His disciples a lesson in overcoming spiritual blindness.
Jesus heals a man blind from birth: Once again, Jesus demonstrates His mastery over His creation and can cure a congenital defect, a blindness that has been there since this man’s birth. The man’s story enrages the Pharisees, but he grows in faith and courage from not knowing Jesus to worshipping Him (and probably becoming a member of the larger entourage).
Jesus heals a boy with an unclean spirit: Jesus returns with Peter, James and John from the Transfiguration and is greeted almost immediately with a worldly issue: A boy has a vicious unclean spirit that throws him into regular convulsions and keeps him from speaking and his father is asking for help. The disciples have been unable to cast out the unclean spirit. Jesus sighs at their unbelief. The father believes but also asks for help for his unbelief. The powerful demon is cast out and the boy is now spared. This type of demon requires effective prayer and the faith of a mustard seed, which the disciples still lack.
Miracle of the temple tax in the mouth of a fish: Jesus uses His creation to provide a temple tax for Himself and for Peter, hoping to avoid controversy for this minor issue with the religious leaders. Using secular sources like Wikipedia for stories of the miracles of Jesus should be avoided or used with caution, because of their tendency to cast doubt on the Word of God.
Jesus heals a blind, mute demoniac: In a miracle used as a segue into a serious teaching from Jesus, He once again demonstrates His power over demons and physical ailments. The scoffing Pharisees are warned about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (settled rejection of Jesus and His revelation by the Spirit in an unbeliever’s life). Our words will be counted, for justification or condemnation.
Jesus heals a woman crippled for 18 years: Jesus sees this woman at a synagogue service on the Sabbath, has compassion on her, and instantly heals her of an affliction that came from an evil spirit. The woman was bent over, unable to look up at other people and only seeing the ground, suffering immensely. He uses her healing as a lesson to the legalistic religious leaders, who value their convoluted laws about the Sabbath (that had exceptions to care for animals) more than they cared about the pain and suffering of a daughter of Abraham. The people rejoice in the healing.
Jesus heals a man with dropsy: Jesus has a Sabbath visit with Pharisees and heals a man in their presence with dropsy (edema). This healing would have been remarkable because of the instantaneous change in the man’s appearance. The Pharisees refuse to answer Him about healing and other acts of compassion and rescue that could happen on the Sabbath because they would be trapped in their own legalism. Jesus goes on in that same chapter in Luke to lecture them using parables about humility and accepting the offer to the Great Banquet.
Jesus heals ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem: Jesus encounters ten lepers near a village and they ask Him for mercy, addressing Him as Master. He tells them to go and show themselves to the priests, instantly healing them without touching them. One of the ten returns and worships Jesus, thanking Him for the healing. All of the lepers expressed obedience to His will, but only one, who was a Samaritan, wanted more from Him (spiritual healing) and was grateful to God.