It was just the one who walked away totally healed. Nine others had been healed of leprosy. These nine could now be welcomed back into society and begin living a normal life. Maybe that’s all they wanted, but still they could have at least thanked the One who made their healing possible. But, it was just one of the ten who came back to Jesus to say thank you, and this one a Samaritan. To him Jesus said, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Is Jesus concerned about our illnesses and infirmities? As this story indicates, the answer is a resounding yes. But His concern for us goes much deeper. He wants to bring healing and wellness to our souls. Our salvation is Jesus’ top priority. It was the Samaritan that understood this, and his heart overflowed with thanksgiving.
We see the polar opposite in Romans 1 where Paul takes us inside of those who stand in rebellion towards God living ungodly and unrighteous lives. Here is what he wrote: “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21 ESV).
According to Jeremiah, it is the heart that “is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jer 17:9 ESV). It is our hearts that need cured, that need to be changed. This healing is found in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sign that our souls have been made well is a heart overflowing with gratitude.
One out of the ten said thank you to Jesus, for what He did. That one was made well. What about you? What does your heart say?
ARCHIVE.PHP