GETTING STARTED
We are a culture obsessed with wellness. Personal trainers, life coaches, spa retreats, detoxing, juice fasting–you name it, someone has probably tried it. But does it work? Are we well? The ten lepers from today’s passage of Scripture also sought wellness, and they cried out to Jesus for their cure. He gave them a prescription, and they believed it would work. While obeying Jesus’ command, they were healed.
- What is your personal wellness plan and is it working for you?
READ THE WORD: LUKE 17:11-19 (ESV)
11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- Lepers were not allowed to live in the villages, so they colonized on the outskirts of town. In light of this, describe why following Jesus’ command in verse 14 would have taken exceptional faith.
- What transpired in the Samaritan’s journey in verses 15 and 16?
- What do you think Jesus was trying to communicate in verses 17 and 18? Was he genuinely baffled? Were these questions rhetorical? Was he expressing frustration?
- If you could hear Jesus say, “You are well,” in any part of your life, what part would it be and why?
- What are the areas in your life where God is working and you may be neglecting to express gratitude to him?
RESPOND TO GOD
With a body now whole and a heart full of gratitude, the Samaritan bowed low and praised the one who’d made him clean. Every leper’s faith brought healing to their bodies, but only one returned to thank the healer. If our lives have been impacted by Jesus, then our hearts should swell with adoration. The key to rising up into life-changing wellness is found in the Samaritan’s faith and Jesus’ mercy.
- Give thanks for your salvation today. Kneel before the One who has made your soul well, then go about your day, joyfully following Jesus’ directives to you.