Reading: Luke 17:11-19

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master,have pity on us!”

14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Reflection

We continue to follow Jesus as he makes his way to Jerusalem. He is on His way to the cross. Jesus has (pre)determined to be in a certain city (Jersualem) at a specific time (Passover celebration) for a particular purpose (to give his life for the sin of the world).

This journey began back in chapter 9. And as we read through this portion of Luke's account we encounter stories, healings and teachings from life and ministry of Jesus during this most intentional journey to Jersualem.

And as we read this short story I am amazed at how much Luke is able to cram into only 8 verses. So many important themes for us to mediate on.

Fist of all, these 8 verses give us another wonderful story of the love, mercy and grace of Jesus. Jesus is able and willing to heal these 10 men. Jesus is able and willing to heal them knowing ful well what their respones (or lack thereof) will be to his healing.

Secondly, these verses also give us the (expected by now?) unexpected twist story (which all good stories seem to have). The twist in this story, just like in the parable of the Good Samaritan, is that the person we least expect (the "heathen" Samaritan) is the one who returns to praise God and thank Jesus. Totally unexpected!

Finall, this short story puts a mirror in front all of us. So many of us are only looking for the "blessing" (the healing) looking for what we can get from Jesus without wanting Jesus Himslef.  Once healed, the majority of the men were only focussed on their healing, not on the Healer.

During this Lenten season may we experience the grace of Jesus, may we know of the Bible's great plot twist [the King has come to die for His people!] and we may long for the Healer, not just the healing.