Jesus Heals the Ten Lepers

The event of Jesus healing the ten lepers is recorded in Luke 17:11-19. Jesus was passing through the border of Galilee and Samaria when this miracle occurred.

Leprosy is a disease that begins with a very slight symptom—just a small spot on the body—but gradually spreads until it covers the entire body. It can affect the eyelids, making blinking difficult and reducing eye protection, which can ultimately lead to blindness.

People with an advanced form of leprosy often lose control of their limbs, making life extremely difficult and painful. Even today, there are more than three million people globally who suffer from this disease.

At the time of this event in Scripture, leprosy was greatly feared. People avoided lepers for fear of contracting the disease. Lepers were exiled from society and forced to live outside villages and towns in isolated communities. Among the Jews, the disease was strictly regulated by the Law of Moses.

In Leviticus 13:45-46, God gave a clear command regarding lepers, which was still enforced during Jesus' time:
"And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean."
Verse 46 continues: "He shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be."

This principle was followed throughout Jewish history to keep lepers isolated. The priests were responsible for monitoring this disease, evaluating its progression, and determining whether a person had recovered.

As Jesus was passing through Galilee and Samaria, he approached an unnamed village where he encountered ten lepers standing at a distance, as was required by law. This location was a border area between Jewish villages in Galilee and Samaritan villages, which explains why the group of lepers consisted of both Jews and Samaritans.

When they saw Jesus, they lifted up their voices and cried out:
"Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us!"

Surprisingly, Jesus did not enter into any conversation with them. He did not immediately declare them healed. Instead, He simply said:
"Go, show yourselves unto the priests."

Without hesitation, the lepers obeyed and left to see the priests, who were responsible for confirming healing and reintegrating lepers into society. At that moment, their healing was not yet visible. There is no record of any further discussion with Jesus—they simply obeyed His word in faith. And as they went, they were completely healed.

The moment they received their healing, nine of them disappeared. The Bible does not tell us where they went—whether they rushed to Jerusalem, hurried to see the priests, or went home to reunite with their families.

However, one of them, a Samaritan, upon realizing he had been healed, turned back. He returned to Jesus, fell at His feet, and worshiped Him in gratitude.

Jesus then asked a powerful question:
"Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?"

Then He said to the man:
"Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." (Luke 17:19)

The lesson of gratitude

Even today, many people behave like the nine lepers. In times of trouble, we cry out to God, asking for deliverance. But when He hears us and answers our prayers, many forget Him and go their own way. This is the attitude of ingratitude.

True gratitude to God is not just about words—it is about a lifestyle that honors Him. We show our thankfulness to God by living in obedience and glorifying Him with our lives.

Thank you for reading! God bless you!