another picture of the way of Jesus

We've likely all read this story at some point in our Bible reading. This time lets open our eyes and take a different view. This healing story is only found in the book written by Luke, the physician.

While traveling to Jerusalem, He passed between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were healed.

But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at His feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19 (HCSB)

We see Jesus again approaching the entrance of an unnamed village. We can be sure of that because these men approached Jesus, as outcasts they called to him. They were lepers and were banned from being part of an village or city, yet somehow they new it was Jesus, as they called to him by name.

Jesus only did what he saw the father doing, In this case he was walking a fine, yet directed line. He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. It was an area of tension. The people on either side of the area despised one another. Yet, that is where we see Jesus taking his planned excursion. Neither is he alone, his disciples-in-training are with him; often in a see one, do one learning set. But wait: Have they had the 200 level course yet?

Jesus heard their calling his name. This time his disciples were quiet. They did not try to turn them away or silence them, as they had on other occasions. And as scripture repeatedly tells us he responded to the call for mercy. He is not looking for excuses or shoulders to give an atta-boy. He's looking for places to display the heart of Father-God which was not yet known to most. Jesus was dishing out mercy to the humble and hurting, even to the Samaritans.

So, how did Jesus heal this time? What did he do with this group of
outcasts? I'm referring to the lepers seeking him, not those along the edges or those traipsing along with him. Here's a different thought. On this occasion the mercy of healing is causing pain, not alleviating it. The pain receptors destroyed by the leprosy were now coming to life, they reminded their owners that the reality of life can be painful.

The ten men knew they had been healed, we know because the one returned to Jesus before having been to the priests. He returned to give thanks. That is when we hear the oft-quoted verse, (Luke 17:19b) "...Your faith has made you well"