My reading today was Luke 17:11-18 when Jesus healed the ten lepers and only one of them returned to give thanks. Leprosy was a grotesque disease that resulted in social isolation. There was no cure. No priest could make it go away, so they followed what the law said to do: identify the disease and banish the individual. (Lev 13-14) I imagine it may have been like going to the doctor, being looked over, only to be determined “unclean” and sent to live in isolation. The shame and embarrassment must have been unbearably difficult, as they were forced to leave their family, friends, home, and belongings to be cast on the outskirts of town. Knowing this, it made sense that there would have been ten lepers together. The only people lepers could be around were other lepers. They see Jesus coming and shout for mercy. Surely, they had heard of the traveling preacher who heals. He tells them to go to the priests, who would be the only ones that could officially grant them “clean” and offer re-entry into the social scene. While they are on the way, they are all ten healed!

I wonder how much time passed between verses 14 and 15- minutes or hours? We see a single man, a Samaritan, return to Jesus. Did he even go to be examined by the priest? This Samaritan falls facedown at Jesus’ feet and thanks him. I imagine the man was feeling breathless with overwhelming gratitude. I imagine there were tears that dampened the dirt and uncontainable emotion that was audible for all to hear. I imagine there wasn’t anything that would have kept that Samaritan man from expressing his relief at the sandaled feet of the one who healed him.

This posture is one we should have often. It’s one I should have often. The posture of humility and gratitude of the Samaritan’s healing should mirror the humility and gratitude I have for my ultimate healing. Because isn’t leprosy like our sin? It isolates, it separates, it mars us. Jesus may have healed the Samaritan’s leprosy externally, but the Samaritan’s response to the healing led to a faith that “made him well” (v25). He was healed of a skin sickness, but also healed of soul sickness. The offer of healing is for all who will receive it. What an undeserved gift that should result in our falling facedown at the feet of the one who died to secure it for us.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! (Eph 2:45).