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
Going ahead of Jesus to Jerusalem, the lepers discovered their skin was made clean. All of a sudden they became very busy people. They had family and friends that they were now allowed to visit. Where would they find them on a day like today? They went to the market, of course. For the first time in years they could smell the food, touch the fabrics, join in the excitement. All but one …
“Your faith has made you well.” Was this a strange thing to say to the one who returned to Jesus? Weren’t all ten made well? Perhaps not. The ten lepers were healed. But being healed does not necessarily mean they were made well. Being made well goes deeper than being healed. Being made well reaches into the soul.
Prayer
Faithful God, thank you for your healing presence in our lives. We ask you to continue to reach into our souls and bring us to a wellness beyond our gratitude. Amen.