As He passed by, 10 of the lepers called out to Jesus, saying, “Master, have mercy on us!” They not only wanted healing, but to be released from the stigma of leprosy. There was no known cure for leprosy in Jesus’ time, so the affected victims lived together in colonies, separated from their families and the rest of society for fear that the disease would spread. As the disease progressively grew worse, fingers, toes and sometimes parts of their face or ears slowly rotted off with the pain and stench of leprosy.
Jesus response to them was simple: “Go, show yourselves to the priest.” He didn’t pray over them, touch them or pronounce them healed, but because He was still living under the Old Testament Law, Jesus sent the lepers to the priests as prescribed in Leviticus 14. There they would present the proper offerings and complete the process required for being declared clean and free of leprosy.
Still full of pain and disfigurement, the 10 started toward the temple. A few steps into their journey one of them turned back to Jesus, shouting “I am healed!” So overjoyed was he at this healing and the prospect of rejoining society and his family, that he immediately fell on his face before Jesus in thankful praise!
The remaining 9 lepers continued on their journey toward the temple– they had gotten what they’d asked for, they were satisfied. But because this 1 leper turned back to praise and thank Jesus, he received more than healing – he received restoration in his body and the gift of salvation with all its benefits!
Jesus declared this man to be ‘whole’ because of his faith and the attitude of his heart. The word ‘whole’ is the Greek word ‘sozo': it’s the same word translated as ‘salvation’ throughout the entire New Testament. Sozo means to be healed, protected, delivered, restored, preserved and brought to safety! While the rest of the 9 lepers were healed, this man was restored and brought into relationship with the Living God! The implication here is that this man’s body was fully restored – the effects of the leprosy were wiped away and new fingers, toes or ears were given to him – whatever had been lost was replaced.
What released the blessings of salvation for this man were faith, praise and thankfulness! He simply turned to Jesus with a heart of gratitude and adoration, not asking for more, but overjoyed by the gift he’d received, and adored the Savior! This is the man that was completely released from the stigma of leprosy; his past was wiped away and new life was given to him.
Have you adored the Savior and given Him the praise due Him? Whether you're in need or have plenty; when you're caught up in illness or debt; when you don't see a light at the end of the tunnel or when life is wonderful, do you give Him thanks? Regardless of how we feel, praise and thankfulness are due His name!
“Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's” (PS 103:1-5).
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