God’s Word of Praise and Thanksgiving
Introduction
Luke 17:11-19: During the time of Jesus, there was an ongoing rift between the Samaritans and the Jews (see Luke 9:51-55). Jesus has been traveling toward Jerusalem, and here he is at the border where Samaria adjoins Galilee. He encounters ten men with leprosy (“dreaded skin disease” in the Good News Translation). All ten are healed but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus.
Scripture Reading
Jesus Heals Ten Men
11As Jesus made his way to Jerusalem, he went along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12He was going into a village when he was met by ten men suffering from a dreaded skin disease. They stood at a distance 13and shouted, “Jesus! Master! Have pity on us!”
14 Jesus saw them and said to them, “Go and let the priests examine you.”
On the way they were made clean. 15When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself to the ground at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. 17Jesus spoke up, “There were ten who were healed; where are the other nine? 18Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God?” 19And Jesus said to him, “Get up and go; your faith has made you well.”
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 17:18
[Jesus said:] “Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God?”
Reflect
What did Jesus say to the Samaritan who returned to thank Jesus? Do Jesus’s words indicate that the Samaritan received more than just physical healing? What are your thoughts about the nine who did not return to thank Jesus? For what will you thank God today?
Pray
Lord God, I thank and praise you for your steadfast love and care. In faith, I come to you, trusting in the salvation you offer through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 46: A psalm proclaiming that God is our refuge.