Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.9 — The Ten Lepers
6.9 — The Ten Lepers: Ten were healed. One returned to give thanks.
6.9 — The Ten Lepers
Gratitude That Returns
As Jesus continued traveling toward Jerusalem, He passed through a region between Galilee and Samaria.
Along the way, He encountered ten men whose lives had been shaped by suffering and isolation.
They shared a disease that separated them from their families, communities, and places of worship.
They shared a desperate need for healing.
And they shared a miraculous encounter with Jesus.
Yet by the end of the story, only one returned.
Only one stopped to give thanks.
Only one demonstrated a deeper understanding of what had happened.
This account teaches not only about healing but also about gratitude, faith, and recognizing God’s blessings.
Scripture References
Luke 17:11–19
Leviticus 13–14
Psalm 103:1–5
Psalm 107:1
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
James 1:17
The Story
As Jesus entered a village, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance.
Because of their disease, they were required to remain separated from others.
Together they called out:
“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
Jesus saw them and told them:
“Go and show yourselves to the priests.”
This instruction was important because Jewish law required priests to examine people who believed they had been healed of leprosy.
As the ten men obeyed and began their journey, something remarkable happened.
They were healed.
Their disease disappeared.
Their lives were changed.
Yet only one of the ten returned.
Praising God with a loud voice, he fell at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him.
Luke notes that this man was a Samaritan.
Jesus responded:
“Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they?”
Then He told the grateful man:
“Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”
Understanding the Story
What Was Leprosy?
The term “leprosy” in Scripture refers to a variety of serious skin diseases.
People diagnosed with these conditions were often separated from society to prevent contamination and to follow ceremonial laws.
Their condition affected every part of life.
For more information, see the Leprosy page listed in the Related Pages section near the bottom of this page.
Why Did Jesus Send Them to the Priests?
Leviticus 14 outlines the process for examining someone who had been healed.
The priests could officially declare a person clean and allow them to return to normal community life.
Jesus instructed the men to act in faith before they saw the healing.
Why Did Only One Return?
The text does not explain why the others failed to come back.
Perhaps they were eager to return home.
Perhaps they became distracted by the excitement of their healing.
Whatever the reason, only one paused to thank Jesus.
Understanding Jesus
Why Is the Samaritan Significant?
Samaritans and Jews often lived with longstanding hostility and mistrust.
Many listeners would have expected a Jewish leper to be the hero of the story.
Instead, Jesus highlights a Samaritan.
Once again, gratitude and faith appear in an unexpected place.
What Does Gratitude Reveal?
Gratitude reveals awareness.
The grateful leper recognized not only the gift but also the Giver.
His response demonstrated worship as well as thankfulness.
What Does “Your Faith Has Made You Well” Mean?
All ten experienced physical healing.
The grateful Samaritan appears to experience something deeper as well.
His faith led him into a fuller relationship with Christ.
Understanding Jesus: Leprosy in the Time of Jesus
Leprosy carried enormous physical, social, and emotional consequences.
People diagnosed with leprosy often lived outside normal community life.
They were separated from family members and excluded from many activities.
Healing meant more than physical recovery.
It meant restoration to relationships, worship, and daily life.
This is why the miracle was so significant.
For a deeper study, see the Leprosy page and The Four Messianic Miracles page in the Related Pages section near the bottom of this page.
Old Testament Connections
Leviticus 13–14 provides detailed instructions regarding skin diseases and ceremonial cleansing.
The healing of leprosy was considered extraordinary.
In Jewish tradition, some rabbis viewed the healing of a leper as one of the signs associated with the coming Messiah.
The miracle therefore pointed beyond healing itself and toward Jesus’ identity.
Missing Context Check
Did Jesus Heal All Ten Men?
Yes.
All ten were healed.
The difference is found in their response.
Why Did Jesus Ask About the Other Nine?
Jesus was emphasizing the importance of gratitude and faith.
The question invites readers to consider their own response to God’s blessings.
Is Gratitude Important to God?
Very much so.
Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to thank God and remember His goodness.
Gratitude strengthens worship and deepens faith.
A Deeper Look: Remembering the Giver
Many people remember to ask God for help.
Fewer remember to return and thank Him afterward.
The Samaritan recognized that the miracle was more than an answered request.
It was an encounter with God’s grace.
The story challenges believers to move beyond receiving blessings and toward worshiping the One who provides them.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other lessons about faith, grace, and discipleship.
Key Themes
Gratitude Matters
Thankfulness should follow God’s blessings.
Faith Leads to Worship
The Samaritan returned to honor Jesus.
Jesus Restores Lives
Healing brought restoration and hope.
The Messiah Has Come
The miracle points to Jesus’ identity.
Why This Lesson Matters
People often focus on what they still lack.
The story encourages believers to notice what God has already done.
Gratitude changes perspective.
It deepens faith.
It strengthens worship.
This lesson reminds Christians to thank God not only during difficult seasons but also during seasons of blessing.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Healer.
The Messiah.
The Source of Mercy.
The One Worthy of Worship.
Jesus not only restored health.
He invited people into a relationship with Him.
Living the Message
Spend time this week thanking God for specific blessings in your life.
Write down ways He has answered prayers or shown His faithfulness.
Express gratitude to people who have helped you during difficult seasons.
Remember that every good gift ultimately comes from God.
Reflection Questions
Why did the lepers stand at a distance?
Possible answers:
Because leprosy separated them from normal community life.
Why did Jesus send them to the priests?
Possible answers:
To follow the process outlined in Leviticus for declaring someone clean.
What made the Samaritan different?
Possible answers:
He returned to thank Jesus and worship God.
What does gratitude reveal?
Possible answers:
Awareness of God’s blessings and recognition of the Giver.
What does this story teach about faith?
Possible answers:
Faith responds with worship and thankfulness.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks.
Reasons We Believe
God deserves gratitude for every blessing and act of mercy.
Obedience in Action
Thank God daily for specific blessings.
Walk It Out
Develop a habit of gratitude through prayer and worship.
Related Lessons
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.2 The Parable of the Lost Son
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 7: The Final Week Begins
7.0 The Final Week Overview
Ten men were healed.
One man returned.
Jesus’ question still echoes today:
“Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they?”
Gratitude turns a blessing into worship.
