Luke 17:11-16 (The Message)11-13 It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him.
They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
14-16 Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests."
They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God.
He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.
Have you ever felt like an outsider? Can you think of an experience in your life that left you feeling worthless or dishonored?
For Samaritans in Jesus time, that's exactly how Jewish religious society worked.
It was made very clear to them, from birth, that they were not "clean." Their very personhood, they were taught, was dirty and offensive to God.
That's a lot to take in. It makes you wonder what that could do to a person?
I think it might make me angry, or perhaps just obedient and subservient. Or maybe just sad.
Now...imagine yourself as a samaritan...leper. If any character in all the Bible has a double-whammy against them, certainly it is this person.
Samaritan...leper.
Worthless...not in the eyes of God...we know that. But we also know this.
He was the only one who said thank you.
Gratitude. It flourishes best in the places where ego and pride have died away.
When you really need help...you really value receiving it.
So...I think I want to be a Samaritan leper when I grow up. How about you? That may just be what it's all about.
Prayer: Help us to be grateful. Help us to be humble. Fill us with your grace.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
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