The Unexpected Thank You

By Mary Vee
Luke 17 

Peter

Photo by Mary Vee
Land near Jerusalem

My name is Peter, I am a disciple of Jesus.

The other disciples and I walked with Jesus to the south toward Jerusalem along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 

We happened upon a village and turned when ten men call out to us. The men kept their distance but shouted, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!"





In our time, men and women with leprosy were not allowed in the cities. The disease is highly contagious. Before a leper can enter a city they must have the approval of the priest who first examines the individual for signs of the disease. If they are cured they will receive approval to enter the city. If they are not healed, they won't be allowed in through the city gates.

Jesus said to the men, "Go to the priest and show yourselves." 

As they walked away their bodies became whole. The leprosy had left them.

One man stopped walking. He looked at his hands, turning them side to side. He touched his face. He sprang up into the air and shouted, "I am healed!" He turned and ran to Jesus. This is important. If he had any leprosy the law states he could not walk near any person. 

The man fell at Jesus' feet and wept. "Thank you. Thank you for healing me." He lifted his eyes and praised God in a loud voice. 

Photo by Mary
Land near Jerusalem

This man was a Samaritan. Samaritans and Jews did not get along well. Yet this man, cleansed of his leprosy approached Jesus, born a Jew, and thanked Him. At this moment, the man was one who had a disease and Jesus, the Son of God, healed him.

Jesus said, "Weren't all ten of you healed from leprosy? Where are the other nine? They were Jews. You were the only Samaritan. Didn't they come with you?"

The man didn't answer. He continued to weep and thank God for healing him.



Jesus said, "Stand. Go to your family and home. Your faith has made you well."

He stood and walked toward the temple. A few steps farther he turned back with a very happy smile and said, "Thank you."  

Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.