On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” ~ Luke 17:11-19
Can you imagine being very sick and not being allowed to hug or see your friends and family?
Jesus saw a group of men in desperate need of help. They were outcasts from society because they were afflicted with a horrible skin disease. They were barred from interacting with any healthy person or community.
In mercy, Jesus sent the group of ten sick men to go and see the priests (who also functioned as the public health officials.) On their way, their sick skin was restored to health. Their disease disappeared. Jesus had miraculously healed them. 100% of them were 100% healed.
Jesus healed many physically sick people. More importantly, Jesus provides spiritual healing for sinners. Jesus taught this when he said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12). Our fear, doubts, hate, jealousy, sinful words and actions are all symptoms that we are “the sick.” Without Jesus, 100% of us are 100% sick.
Jesus provides healing. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, wrote: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus provides 100% healing to 100% of sinners. To me. To you.
Can you imagine being one of those ten men whom Jesus healed? You could go home, see the smile on your loved ones faces, and throw your arms around them in joy!
Can you imagine seeing God’s smiling face and feeling his arms wrapped around you in a loving hug? You don’t need to imagine. Jesus has healed your heart and your relationship with God. Your life will not end in death, but in a perfect eternal life!
We pray our hearts and lives echo the response of the man who returned to thank Jesus—praise and thanks with 100% of our hearts and lives. And, why? Jesus provides 100% healing.
Jesus, thank you for providing 100% healing of my heart and my relationship with God. Give me confidence and joy in your forgiveness and my eternal home in heaven. Fill my heart and life with praise and thanks for all that you do for me. Amen.
Living Hope Church 