Luke 17:15

"When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed."

Key Reflection

In Luke 17:15, Jesus instructs ten lepers to show themselves to the priests, who could declare them clean according to Levitical law. As they journey to the temple for this purpose, they are miraculously healed. This moment encapsulates a profound lesson about faith and recognition of divine grace; while nine of the lepers return to thank Jesus, only one, likely recognizing his healing as God’s work, turns back to give thanks. This story highlights the importance of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the blessings received, reflecting a key theme in Luke's Gospel of communal response to divine action.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 15,16. One of them, &c. This man, sensible of the power of God and grateful for his mercies, returned to express his gratitude to God for his goodness. Instead of obeying at once the letter of the command, he first expressed his thanks to God and to his Great Benefactor. There is no evidence, however, that he did not, after he had given thanks to God, and had poured out his joy at the feet of Jesus, go to the priest as he was directed; indeed, he could not have been restored to society without doing it; but he first poured out his thanks to God, and gave him praise for his wonderful recovery.

Related Verses

More from Luke 17

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