You probably included separation from family and friends, the physical effects of the disease, inability to work, stigma and feelings of worthlessness and helplessness.

Healed by Jesus

The 10 lepers are camping together near a village on the borders of Galilee and Samaria (3), a well chosen spot because it is on the pilgrims’ road to Jerusalem, and this is Passover time when they can beg alms from the crowds on their way south to the Temple.

And then this poor, wretched and bedraggled group sense a buzz of great excitement in the nearby village and they see Jesus on the road to the village.  They have probably heard of him and his healing powers and perhaps during their long and dreary days they have longed for him to come their way.  And now that hoped for day has come and they know that it is now or never.  The healer has come and may never come again.  But he is surrounded by a happy, excited crowd and could easily pass by without even seeing them.  So in hasty agreement they all call out together at the top of their voices, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (NRSV, Luke 17:13).

Jesus hears them.  He stands still and looks towards them.  He doesn’t go towards them and he doesn’t keep them in suspense.  He calls back with an immediate answer: “Go and show yourselves to the priests” (NRSV, Luke 17:14).

The normal sequence of events would be for the people to be cured first and only then to go to the priests to be pronounced clean.  But Jesus sends them to be certified as cured when they are still covered with their leprous lesions.  Yet, such is their utter faith in him that, without hesitation they limp and hobble off and as they go they find that their skin is suddenly smooth and clear, and their limbs are whole and supple.