This series reviews instances where Jesus commended either individuals or groups, clarifying circumstances, identifying the heart intent of all and the impact on us today.
Notice in v. 13 their cry was earnest they were lepers, but even they may be sure of the Lord’s help. Thank God no-one is too sinful, too diseased or in too great a difficulty to call upon Him and receive His blessing. Christ is no respecter of persons; here were Jews and Samaritans (Rom. 10:11-13). Whatever trouble we may have, if we will call upon Him He will be gracious to us and undertake for us (Ps. 50:15; 34:6; 19).
From v. 14 we see that He dealt with these ten men in accordance with Lev. 14:2-4. What he said in effect was, “The priests have condemned you as lepers; if you believe that I can heal you, and am healing you, go and show yourselves to them that they may see you are healed.” In contrast with this, turn back to read of the Lord’s healing of the leper who came to Him in Luke 5:12-14. He did not send that man to the priests; He cleansed him in a moment by the power of His word and His touch. Or think of Naaman, who before he was cleansed had to dip in Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5:14). Likewise, in the matter of salvation the Lord is sovereign, and in no two cases does He work alike. Compare, for example, His dealings with Nicodemus (John 3), with the woman at the well (Jn. 4), with the Queen’s Treasurer (Acts 8), with Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9) and with Cornelius (Acts 10). How different were the experiences of these people! There is only one way to God (Jn. 10:9; 14:6; Acts 4:12); but there are very many ways to Christ.
In v. 14 Jesus said, “Go…show yourselves…and as they went, they were cleansed.”” They simply took the Lord at His word, and when they did what He said they received the blessing they needed so much! The operative words here are: “as they went…”; in other words, as they obeyed, they were cleansed. If we would experience fullness of spiritual blessing we must realize it can only be as we are willing to do what the Lord says. What are the commands of the Gospel that are clearly set out in the Word of God?
The measure of our obedience will determine the measure of His blessing experienced and enjoyed in our lives (Jn. 2:5; Acts 9:6). Full obedience brings fullness of blessing.
Look at vv. 15-16. It was natural to return and give thanks, and yet nine did not do so! If the Lord had cured you from leprosy, would you not thank Him? Have you ever thanked Him for leaving Heaven for you (2 Cor. 8:9); for coming to Bethlehem’s manger for you (Luke 2:7); for triumphing in the wilderness for you (Mt. 4:11); for His three years of public ministry for you (Acts 10:38); and for all that He endured in Gethsemane and accomplished on Calvary for you (Luke 22:44; 1 Peter 2:24)? Have you ever thanked Him that He rose triumphant from the grave for you (Rom. 4:25; Rev. 1:18); and that He ever lives to make intercession for you (Heb. 7:25; Rom. 8:34)? Have you thanked Him, not in word only but by the dedication of your life to His service? Look at the following references, and notice some of the things for which the apostle Paul was thankful: redemption (2 Cor. 9:15); kindness (2 Cor. 8:16); obedience (Rom. 6:17); and fellowship (2 Tim. 1:3).
Luke 17:19: “And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Look at v. 19. It is one thing to be cleansed, forgiven and saved, but it is another thing to know it. Do you know it? Many Christians do not have the full assurance that the Lord wants them to have. They are constantly filled with doubts and fears. The way to be sure about our salvation and the fullness of spiritual blessing that is ours in Christ is to do what this one leper did (v. 14). This enables the Lord, through faith, to make us whole (v. 19).
