Luke 17:11-19
Chapter 17
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On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through Samaria and Galilee, and
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as he entered a village, ten lepers came to meet him.
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Keeping their distance, they called to him:
“Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
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Jesus told them:
“Go, and show yourselves to the priests.”
Then, as they were on their way, they realized they were healed.
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One of them, as soon as he saw he was clean, turned back, praising God loudly;
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and throwing himself at Jesus’ feet, he gave thanks. This man was a Samaritan.
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Then Jesus asked him:
“Were not all ten healed? Where are the other nine?
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Did none of them decide to return and give praise to God, but this foreigner?”
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And Jesus said to him:
“Stand up and go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Commentaries
The Cleansing of Ten Lepers.
Luke shares the story of the ten lepers to illustrate the believer’s attitude toward the Law and Jesus’ new teachings. Although all ten were healed, only one Samaritan, a foreigner, shows gratitude and recognizes God’s mercy and generosity. The other nine, mostly from the chosen people, fail to see God’s presence in this act and do not offer praise or thanks. For them, God remains someone who only expects obedience to the Law.