March 25, 2022
What does it say?
Jesus taught His disciples about forgiveness, faith, duty, the kingdom of God, and His Second Coming. Ten lepers asked Jesus for mercy, and He miraculously healed them.
What does it mean?
Rather than heal the lepers immediately when they cried out to Him, Jesus chose to test their faith and uphold the law by sending them to the priest (Lev. 13-14). All ten were healed, yet only one returned to thank Jesus and glorify God. The Samaritan knew he was in the presence of God, worshiped at Jesus’ feet and received salvation through faith in Him as the Christ. Although the other nine were also blessed with healing, they had no desire to glorify Jesus as God. The Samaritan man pictures Gentiles who truly believed, and the nine lepers picture the Jewish nation, who largely rejected Jesus as God even though they benefited from His goodness.
How should I respond?
Can you even imagine being one of the nine lepers and not returning to Jesus in gratitude? As difficult as that may be to comprehend, the same thing happens countless times every day. All of humanity benefits from God’s blessings (Matt. 5:45), but only those who recognize the Lord as the Giver of all good things are motivated to thank, worship, and praise Him. How often do you thank the Lord? How can you express your gratitude today? A grateful heart that glorifies God will be blessed with His joy in return.