Luke 17:11-19 (NRSV)
Read Luke 17:11-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. Verse 12As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, Verse 13they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Verse 14When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Verse 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. Verse 16He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Verse 17Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Verse 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Verse 19Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."
Devotion
This passage is full of motion, showing us how actively God works in our midst. Over a vast area on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus detours into a village. There he meets 10 lepers, who recognize him as “master” and call on his mercy. He tells them, “Your faith has made you clean,” and sends them to the priests to give their testimony. Jesus then informs us that the one who returned was a “foreigner;” that is, a Samaritan.
How do we see ourselves in light of this message? Do we recognize the master when he comes to us? Do we take for granted and stay away from him in the comfort of a nominal faith in him? Do we give testimony of Christ’s presence, compassion and saving power?
Prayer
O God, come to us each day and hear our prayers for your healing of our hearts and for your eternal salvation. Strengthen our faith and send us to the world to give witness of your saving grace. Amen.