Jesus Heals Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

What happened when Jesus healed ten lepers?

Jesus' healing of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 reveals both his divine power and the importance of gratitude. While all ten were cleansed, only one—a Samaritan—returned to give thanks. This passage underscores faith, obedience, and the call to recognize God's mercy.

Introduction

Luke 17:11-19 recounts a miraculous healing that also serves as a lesson in gratitude and faith. Jesus encounters ten lepers, outcasts of society, and grants them healing. Yet, only one returns to offer thanks—and he is a Samaritan. This moment highlights the unexpected nature of faith and the necessity of recognizing God's work in our lives.

Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 17:11-19 and Commentary

Understanding Leprosy in the Bible

In the Bible, leprosy refers to a range of skin diseases that caused both physical and social isolation. The term “leprosy” in biblical texts doesn’t always align with modern medical definitions of Hansen’s disease but includes various dermatological conditions, many of which could be contagious or severely disfiguring. According to Leviticus 13, individuals with leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean and were required to live outside the community to prevent the spread of their condition. This isolation not only reflected concerns about physical health but also carried deep spiritual significance, as leprosy was often associated with sin or impurity in the ancient Jewish worldview.

Leprosy in biblical times served as a powerful symbol of separation from God and the community, both physically and spiritually. It was a condition that required a priest’s inspection and declaration of cleanliness before a person could re-enter society, as detailed in Leviticus 14. The strict laws surrounding leprosy emphasized the need for healing, not only for physical restoration but also for spiritual reconciliation. Jesus’ healing of lepers, such as the ten lepers in Luke 17, therefore represents much more than a mere miracle of physical recovery. It is a profound act of mercy, restoration, and inclusion, demonstrating that no one is beyond God’s grace, no matter their condition or past.

Read more, “Understanding Leprosy in the Bible”

Luke 17:11-13

"On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'"

The mention of Samaria and Galilee is significant. The division between Jews and Samaritans ran deep, rooted in centuries of conflict. After the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE, many Israelites were exiled, and foreigners were brought in to settle the land. These settlers intermarried with the remaining Israelites, forming what would become the Samaritan people. Jews viewed Samaritans as religiously impure because they blended Mosaic Law with foreign influences. By the time of Jesus, animosity between Jews and Samaritans had become deeply entrenched, marked by religious disputes and mutual disdain.

Despite these tensions, suffering had united this group of lepers. Their shared affliction overshadowed ethnic and religious divides, a striking reminder that hardship often brings people together in ways societal norms do not. When they saw Jesus, they called out to him in desperation, recognizing him as "Master"—a title of authority. Their plea for mercy reveals both their need and their belief that Jesus could provide healing.

Luke 17:14

"When he saw them, he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were made clean."

Jesus does not heal them immediately but instructs them to go to the priests, following the Levitical law (Leviticus 14:1-32), which required a priest to declare a leper clean before reentry into society. Their obedience was an act of faith—they had to start walking before they saw any evidence of healing. This parallels other moments in Scripture where Jesus heals from a distance, such as when he tells the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 that his servant will be healed or when he assures the royal official in John 4:46-54 that his son will live. These instances reinforce that Jesus' power is not confined to physical proximity; his word alone brings healing.

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.

Meister Eckhart, a 14th-century mystic

Luke 17:15-16

"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan."

Praise is an outward expression of gratitude and reverence toward God. This healed man does not merely acknowledge his cleansing internally—he proclaims it with a loud voice. His response is one of uninhibited worship, recognizing that his healing was an act of divine mercy.

His posture is also significant. Prostration—falling face down before Jesus—is a sign of humility and submission. Throughout Scripture, people prostrate themselves before God as an act of deep reverence (Genesis 17:3, Matthew 2:11). By doing this, the Samaritan acknowledges that Jesus is not just a healer but someone worthy of worship.

Luke makes it a point to highlight that this grateful man was a Samaritan. This detail is crucial. The expectation would be that a Jewish leper, familiar with God's covenant, would be the first to return and give thanks. Instead, the outsider recognizes Jesus' authority, mirroring other moments in Luke’s Gospel where faith is found in unexpected places (Luke 7:9, Luke 10:33). His response challenges assumptions about who truly understands and appreciates God's mercy.

Luke 17:17-18

"Then Jesus asked, 'Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?'"

Jesus' rhetorical questions highlight the ingratitude of the nine who did not return. They experienced the same healing, yet only one recognized the source of the miracle and responded appropriately. Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is an action. The absence of the other nine serves as a cautionary moment—blessings can be received without leading to a transformed heart.

Luke 17:19

"Then he said to him, 'Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.'"

This final statement carries profound meaning. The phrase "made you well" (Greek: sozo) can also be translated as "saved you." While all ten were physically healed, only this man received a deeper, spiritual healing through his faith. His gratitude was not just about his body being cleansed; it was about recognizing the greater reality of who Jesus was. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Luke 7:50, where he tells the forgiven woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." True healing extends beyond the physical—it reaches the soul.

Luke 17:11-19 Meaning for Today

This passage teaches us that faith is not just about asking for God's help but about recognizing and responding to his mercy. The Samaritan leper demonstrates the kind of faith Jesus desires—one that leads to gratitude, worship, and a deeper relationship with him. Many receive God's blessings, but few take the time to turn back and acknowledge him as the source.

Additionally, Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan challenges us to reconsider our biases. Faith is not confined to any one group; it is found in those who are willing to see Jesus for who he is. Just as suffering brought together Jews and Samaritans in this story, the gospel transcends human divisions, calling all to faith in Christ.

Finally, the story serves as a reminder that obedience often precedes the visible work of God. The lepers were healed "as they went." Sometimes, we are called to act in faith before we see the results, trusting that God's word is enough. Whether in healing, provision, or guidance, faith requires us to move forward even when the outcome is uncertain.

Conclusion

The healing of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 is more than a miracle story—it is a call to faith, gratitude, and recognition of Jesus' authority. Only one out of ten returned to give thanks, reminding us that experiencing God's mercy is not the same as responding to it. May we be like the Samaritan, whose faith led him not just to healing but to salvation.

FAQ

Why did Jesus tell the lepers to go to the priests? According to Leviticus 14:1-32, a priest had to verify a healed leper’s cleansing before they could rejoin society. Jesus' command tested their faith—they had to obey before seeing their healing.

Why is it important that the grateful leper was a Samaritan? Samaritans were seen as religious outsiders, yet he alone returned to thank Jesus. This reinforces the theme that faith is found where it is least expected.

What does 'your faith has made you well' mean? While all ten were physically healed, Jesus' words to the Samaritan suggest a deeper, spiritual healing—his faith led to salvation.