Luke 17:11-19

As Jesus made his way to Jerusalem. The time of this is uncertain. If this happened on his last tour, it would be just after he left Galilee, before he reached Perea. He went between Samaria and Galilee. From west to east, to cross the Jordan river. He was met by ten lepers. [Leprosy: see notes on Matthew 8:1-2.] Expelled from society, lepers banded together for company and protection. They stood at a distance. The Law required this (Leviticus 13:45-46). Go and let the priests examine you. The priest had to certify the leper as clean (see note on Matthew 8:4). Notice at this point they are still lepers. On the way they were made clean. This was a test of faith. Not one would have been healed, if he disobeyed. But when faith is action, their leprosy is gone! One of them. came back. To praise God and to thank Jesus! Where are the other nine? One returns to thank Jesus, and it is the foreigner [a Samaritan]. The others, saved from a living death, ate seen no more. Your faith has made you well. God says in effect: "You move, and I will bless you." This man's faith also showed itself in love.