In Luke 17: 12-19 as Jesus entered a village, ten lepers approached him… saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Heal us). He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back,… He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him,… your faith has made you well.”
Why Jesus send them to the priests
Jesus chose to send them to the priest whereas they were not healed. Spiritually, Jesus they were to subject their filth of sin to the approval of holiness. The priests symbolized God’s presence of purity whilst their leprosy symbolized sin. Their obedience meant righteousness and humility. They were made clean along the way because the soul that takes the righteous path in Christ is made anew.
The Samaritan was appreciative because he knew the depth of favour from God. Jesus’ reference to his faith meant that faith produces positive results or moves God’s hands in our favour. His faith led to his obedience to Jesus’ instructions; his healing; and his gratefulness. God’s instructions are usually spiritual hence spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2: 14). Obedience unlocks the key. What are the other lessons?
Don’t take God for granted
The healed leper who returned to thank Jesus was a Samaritan which implies that the other nine were probably Jews. Jesus expected those who claimed to know better to do better than the Samaritan who by Jewish culture was a foreigner to divine things, hence sinful. People of God unwisely take God’s grace for granted and rather assume a right to it.
In Luke 19: 37-39 when the people were appreciating Jesus for his deeds and power, the Pharisees who knew what was right rather said, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” Jesus replied in Luke 19: 40, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Similarly, in Matthew 26: 9-14; Mark 14: 3-9 the disciples scolded Mary who poured an alabaster jar of very costly ointment on Jesus’ head as too expensive. Jesus replied, “… She has performed a good service for me.
In Luke 7: 37-47 a woman in the city, who was a sinner,… stood behind him (Jesus)… weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair… kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. The Pharisees denigrated Jesus that a true prophet would not tolerate the sinful woman. Jesus then told a parable to Peter and ended saying, “… the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Rather sinners always defy the odds to appreciate Jesus when saved. What about us?
God expects appreciation
Jesus’ question to the leper meant he expected appreciation. 2Chronicles 20: 21; Psalms 118: 29 say give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever. It is scriptural that we should appreciate God always for his goodness upon our lives. David wrote in Psalms 118: 28 you are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. David had cause to give thanks. What about us?
Paul said in Thessalonians 5: 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. We must not assume God’s goodness as an entitlement but rather grace. Everything we receive from God is according to God’s divine plan for our lives. We do not have the luxury of choice but to obey all scripture and give thanks. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 says all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. Appreciating God is righteousness in God.
Always count God first
Jesus expected the other nine healed to show appreciation first to God but they failed. The nine lepers had other priorities first. No matter the circumstances God must not take the back seat in our lives. We better appreciate God when we allow him to take the driver’s seat. Proverbs 3: 6 says in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Job 34: 4 says let us choose what is right; let us determine among ourselves what is good. Considering God first is good and the best.
Where we place God in our affairs determines his importance to us. God does not share his glory with anyone. Solomon likened our priorities to chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 1: 14; 2: 11, 17 says I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see, all is vanity and a chasing after wind. Whatever we chase is not permanent. Ecclesiastes 2: 26 says… to the sinner he gives the work of gathering and heaping, only to give to the one who pleases God. This also is vanity and chasing after wind. Jesus is permanent, let us first appreciate him for dying for us on the cross to set us free.
How do we appreciate God?
The Samaritan leper appreciated Jesus. Mary with the alabaster oil appreciated Jesus. The Jewish lepers and the Pharisees did not. Do we appreciate Jesus with our tears of joy and sorrow? With our substance in spite of what people say?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we repent for failing to first appreciate you for your goodness upon our lives. We have known that our priorities above yours in our lives are vanities and unrighteous. We confess that the little things we receive in life are the most precious which we sadly belittle. Help us to put you first in all circumstances rather than taking you for granted. We appreciate you Lord for our lives, Amen!!
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