Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

It is another one of those stories that makes little sense.  We are told that, on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus enters a village where he is approached by ten lepers.  Realizing who he is, they begin to cry out, Jesus, Have mercy on us.  Jesus, of course, is filled with compassion. Go and show yourself to the priests, he says.  As they went, they were made clean.

Up to this point nothing seems to be too far out of the ordinary.  Then the boom is lowered!  Here is how the Scriptures report it.  Then one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.  He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.  And he was a Samaritan.  (Luke 17:15-16; emphasize added)

Now, here’s the problem.  The Samaritans and the Jews hated each other. So, while misery may love company, even leprosy was generally not enough to bring these two rival groups together.  Yet, it appears that, at least in this instance, they were standing together begging which means they were not only working together, they were living in the same colony! 

But wait!  There’s more!  Who remembers when the actual miracle took place?  Where were the lepers when they were healed?  They were going to the synagogue to present themselves to the priest. 

Think about it!  According to Jewish law, the nine had to go before the priests.  They had to be declared clean before they could go home and resume a normal life.  As for the Samaritan, he wasn’t bound by the same law.  Besides, if he had actually made it to the synagogue, there was no way this side of heaven that any good Jewish priest would have let him into the building much less touch him, bless him, and declare him clean.

So, while the nine did what needed to be done so they could return to their communities, the Samaritan turned around and went back to find Jesus.  As he went, this now healthy man began praising God.  You see as a Samaritan he didn’t believe in all the same doctrine as his former Jewish friends, but he believed in the same God and he was looking for the same Messiah. When he was looking for – Jesus, the Son of God – the man threw himself on the ground as a sign of his overwhelming devotion.  After a brief observation of the nine, Jesus said to the one who returned, Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.  (vs. 19)

Ten lepers were healed but only one was made well.  So, what wasthe difference being healed and being well?  And if we have a choice, which one would we prefer?  Do we want to be healed from whatever disease, demon or distress that seems to be controlling our lives.  But, if could only have one or the other, would we want to be well?

Now, to be honest, I stand beside hospital beds and set in homes at least once or twice a week asking that healing be granted and that health return.  Sometimes the prayer is for a restored relationship or for God’s discernment in the midst of unsettling, or perhaps even dangerous, situation.  And there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for healing in any of these situations.  But simply being healed isn’t enough.  Accidents, diseases, and illnesses will strike again.  Deaths and disappointments will occur.  Frightening situations will arise and people we love will suffer.  In those instances when there is no cure for the suffering or the strife, will our faith be strong enough to carry us through?

Christian, please remember that all ten lepers were physically healed.  All of had ultimate faith in Jesus’ ability to heal them.  They were all willing to do whatever he required of them to be healed.  So, they followed his instructions without questioning or doubting.  But for nine of them, that was as far as it went.  Except for the healing and the blessings it brought,

 nothing else  really changed.

But the Samaritan was different. Here was a man whose faith went beyond customs, laws, and rituals.  Here was a man who, even in the midst of suffering and hardship, had learned to live his faith.  As a result, his life was filled with gratitude and praise regardless of the circumstances that surrounded him.  Because of this – because he was willing to place his complete trust in God – he was truly well.

Anne Lamott is a Christian writer who, for more than twenty years, was addicted to drugs, alcohol, and abusive relationships.  Thanks to the unwavering support of her father, a sibling, and one very small but Spirit-filled congregation she was able to turn her life around.  While she is the first to admit she has a very blessed life, she is also honest enough to admit that it’s not perfect.  There are still struggles, disappointments and hardships.  In other words, while she was healed from her addictions, God did not make her life “all better.”  If it wasn’t for her faith, there are times when it would be easier for her to sink back into a drunken stupor than to face one more hurdle.  That is exactly why her two favorite prayers are, in the morning, Help me!  Help me!  Help me!, and at bedtime, Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  

Her faith has made her well.  May the same be true for you and for me. 

To God be the Glory.  Amen.