What Does the Story of the Ten Lepers Teach Us?
The story of the ten lepers is a powerful narrative found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, verses 11-19. In this account, Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out to Him for mercy and healing. Jesus instructs them to show themselves to the priests, and as they obey His command, they are all miraculously healed. However, only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to express his gratitude. This story teaches us several valuable lessons about faith, gratitude, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus.
Lesson 1: The Importance of Faith
The story of the ten lepers emphasizes the importance of having faith in Jesus. Leprosy was a highly stigmatized disease in ancient times, and those afflicted with it were considered unclean and socially outcast. The ten lepers recognized Jesus’ authority and power to heal them, as they cried out to Him for mercy. Their faith is evident in their plea for help and their willingness to follow Jesus’ instructions. This story reminds us that having faith in Jesus can lead to miraculous transformations in our lives.
Lesson 2: Gratitude and Thankfulness
The story also teaches us about the importance of gratitude. After being healed, only one of the ten lepers returns to express his gratitude to Jesus. This lone leper, a Samaritan, falls at Jesus’ feet and thanks Him for his healing. Jesus is surprised that the other nine did not return to give thanks. This teaches us that gratitude is an essential aspect of our relationship with God. It reminds us to always acknowledge and appreciate the blessings we receive, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.
Lesson 3: The Inclusivity of God’s Love
The fact that the lone leper who returned to express gratitude was a Samaritan highlights the inclusivity of God’s love. In biblical times, Samaritans were often seen as outcasts and despised by the Jewish community. However, Jesus does not discriminate based on ethnicity, social standing, or background. He extends His love and healing to all, regardless of their background or past. This story reminds us that God’s love knows no boundaries and that Jesus’ healing power is available to everyone who seeks Him in faith.
Lesson 4: Obedience and Trust
When Jesus instructs the ten lepers to show themselves to the priests, they obey without hesitation. This act of obedience demonstrates their trust in Jesus’ words. Although they were still afflicted with leprosy at that moment, they did not question or doubt Jesus’ instructions. Their obedience and trust led to their complete healing. This teaches us the importance of obeying and trusting in Jesus, even when the circumstances seem impossible or uncertain. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than our ways, and His plans for us are good.
FAQs:
1. Why did Jesus instruct the lepers to show themselves to the priests?
Jesus instructed the lepers to show themselves to the priests because it was a necessary requirement for their reintegration into society. According to Jewish law, when a leper was miraculously healed, they had to present themselves to the priests for examination and certification of their healing. This certification was essential for them to be accepted back into their communities and families.
2. Why did only one leper return to express gratitude?
While the story does not explicitly state why only one leper returned to express gratitude, it is possible that the other nine were so eager to rejoin their families and communities that they neglected to thank Jesus. They may have been overwhelmed with joy and forgot to acknowledge the one who had healed them. This serves as a reminder for us to never forget to express gratitude for the blessings we receive.
3. Why was the gratitude of the Samaritan leper highlighted?
The gratitude of the Samaritan leper was highlighted to emphasize the inclusive nature of God’s love and to challenge the prevailing prejudices of that time. Samaritans were often looked down upon by the Jewish community, and this story serves as a reminder that God’s love extends to all, regardless of ethnicity or social status. It teaches us to overcome our biases and prejudices and to embrace the love of God for all people.
In conclusion, the story of the ten lepers teaches us valuable lessons about faith, gratitude, inclusivity, and obedience. It reminds us of the importance of having faith in Jesus, expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive, embracing the inclusivity of God’s love, and trusting and obeying His instructions. This story continues to inspire and challenge us to live a life of faith and gratitude, recognizing the transformative power of encountering Jesus.