Scripture printed text: Leviticus13:45-46, Luke 17:11-19
LEPROSY Generic term applied to a variety of skin disorders from psoriasis to true leprosy. Its symptoms ranged from white patches on the skin to running sores to the loss of digits on the fingers and toes.
For the Hebrews it was a dreaded malady which rendered its victims ceremonially unclean—that is, unfit to worship God (Lev. 13:3). Anyone who came in contact with a leper was also considered unclean. Therefore, lepers were isolated from the rest of the community so that the members of the community could maintain their status as worshipers.
The book of Leviticus chapter 13:45-46 tells how serious leprosy is and gives instructions to those who suffered from leprosy. A description and definition for actions, status and separation of those with leprosy. They were to tear their clothing, head uncovered, cover their mouth and cry unclean, unclean. Also, because they are classified as ceremonially unclean they must live in total isolation from mainstream society.
Luke records Jesus traveling towards Jerusalem, He entered a village there. Ten men met Him that were lepers, stood afar off. They lifted up their voices and cried out to Jesus to have mercy on them. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest, because only the priests could declare a diseased person clean. As they went, they were healed of leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was cleansed, turn back to Jesus fell on the ground worshipping Him. Jesus said He healed ten, where are the other nine? Jesus told the man that his faith had healed him. This was a Samaritan man, one who was considered an outcast to the Jewish people.
The lesson outline: A. Living as a Leper, B. Ten Lepers asks for healing, C. Jesus heals the Lepers, D. One Leper returns to thank Jesus.
Living as a leper, because of leprosy being contagious, meant living alone or with others suffering from the same disease. This life of isolation, continued until their health improved or in some cases never improved. Any interactions with a non-leper, was embarrassing because of the precautions of torn clothing and announcement of being unclean. This isolation can be very discouraging and mentally distressing, apart from loved ones, friends and family.
Ten lepers sought Jesus to heal them. As Jesus came nearby, they notice Him as being One who could heal them, cried unto Him for mercy. The lepers desiring Jesus to have compassion on them and alleviate their misery. God is rich in mercy and extends His compassion on those who believes in His power to heal them.
Jesus heals the ten lepers, and commanded them to go show themselves to the priest for proof of their cure for the disease. The priest would perform the ceremony of declaring them clean. As they went on Jesus word, demonstrating faith in God, to show themselves to the priest, they were all healed.
One leper returns to thank Jesus for healing him. The lepers went and were healed before they made it to the priest. Although they all recognize their healing, only one returns to give thanks to God, who performed a miracle in his healing. The one leper didn’t hesitate to give glory to God, falling down and worshipping at His feet and publicly testifying the greatness of God. Jesus asks the man where are the other nine who were also healed. The nine went their way, living their lives, seemingly taking their healing for granted. The man, who returns back, was a Samaritan. This man not only received physical healing, but was made whole by placing his faith in God. Genuine faith in God makes you not just physically, but spiritually whole. Salvation is a gift from God through Jesus that saves us from sin. Jesus healing allowed the lepers to be reinstated back into society as before. No longer being outcast, but in association with. Praise God for restoring our relationship with His Father by sacrificing His life on the cross. Thank God for removing sin that keeps from our relationship with God. Never forget or take for granted what God could do for us; heal and save!