Jesus is doggedly heading for Jerusalem (9:51; 13:31–33) to fulfil his destiny: abuse, death and resurrection (18:31–34). His pursuit of his goal is interrupted by a small crowd of leprosy sufferers: outsiders, outcasts, nobodies. Were they worthy of the attention of the Messiah-on-a-mission? We might not think so, but Jesus suspends his journey, alters his timetable and responds to their cries for help. A reminder, perhaps, that people (whoever they are) are more important than projects or plans.

Sending them to the priests (v 14a) was the way that they would officially be certified ‘clean’, and able to rejoin society. As they went, they were healed (v 14b), but just one bothered to come back to thank Jesus (vs 15,16). Shocking ingratitude? Or an example of how easy it is to take God’s blessings for granted?

As ever, Jesus’ actions reveal something of his Father’s heart. Healing ten people of leprosy (v 17), demanding nothing in return, is a sign of proactive, indiscriminate grace. What would showing such grace to others look like in your life today?

‘I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.’¹

Leprosy brought great isolation to its sufferers: because it was highly contagious, sufferers had to avoid contact with other people. A Samaritan leprosy sufferer was even further isolated from the Jews of Jesus’ day. Yet Jesus comes into contact with ten men with leprosy, at least one of whom is a Samaritan, with miraculous results. Tragically, as is so often the case, once they have what they want, most of them never come back again.

This story illustrates the disturbing truth that it is possible to receive God’s great gifts of grace, but still possess an ungrateful heart. To their credit, they did take the step of faith and obedience to go to the priests – ‘And as they went, they were cleansed’ (v 14). They needed to step out in faith to receive their healing. However, nine of the ten healed men failed to return; the one who did return to give thanks was a Samaritan, which would have provoked Jesus’ Jewish listeners. In returning to give thanks, he received a further gift, in Jesus’ words of peace and soul-healing: ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well’ (v 19). What invaluable and freeing information, that part of his healing was his own faith.

How do you receive a gift? It is amazing that only one of the ten paused to recognise what had actually been given to him, how this would change his life and who it was who actually gave this amazing gift. Do we even realise the riches of grace that God has generously poured out into our lives? Do we take the time to say ‘thank you’?

All of life is a gift. Take some time right now to be grateful.  Write a list of the blessings God has given you. Ask him to help you to live with a deep sense of gratitude and awe for his goodness shown so generously to you.

¹ Brené Brown, b 1965