Luke 17
To illustrate this point, Jesus teaches a parable of
unworthy servants (Lk. 17:7-10). We’ve talked about some parables of Jesus in
our previous devotions. Now, let us reflect on a real situation that happened in
the life of Jesus and His disciples. On the way to Jerusalem, He was met by ten
lepers… (Lk. 17:11-19). They would acknowledge Him as Master. And Jesus, having
pity on them, sent the lepers to the Temple – to show themselves to the priest.
Two things should be said here: first, the leprosy of Jesus’ times is not the
same sickness we know it today. It is a skin disease, something like psoriasis.
It is a sign of uncleanness, very often used by God as a punishment for a rebellion
(cp. Num. 12:10). Being unclean, sick people would be separated from the
worshiping community of believers (Lev. 13, Lk. 17:12, note that lepers stood
at a distance).
Second, Bible doesn’t have a cure from the sickness. A
person either has it or it is gone, by the will of God. This will can be “stated”
by the priests. Therefore, when the 10 go to Jesus as the Master of their lives,
they cling to the right source. He is merciful and sends them to be pronounced cleansed
(Lk. 17:14). All ten went on their way, yet one of them came back to Jesus. Now,
being cleansed, he has a chance to be a part of the worshiping community. And
as a worshiper he goes to the source of salvation with the words of
thanksgiving (Lk. 17:16).
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