Go Back (Luke 17:11-19)
The realization that he had been healed moved the foreigner (Luke 17:15). He interrupted his journey to show himself to the priest in order to show himself grateful to the One who would serve as our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:5–10). At some point en route, this Samaritan recognized that his body had been healed. What did he notice? Luke does not tell us. But we can consider possibilities while acknowledging what the passage leaves unsaid:
- Fullness — We do not know how long he had suffered or what damage his condition had caused. Hansen’s disease, one condition associated with the modern term leprosy, can damage nerves, impair vision, and lead to injuries and tissue loss. Luke does not establish this particular diagnosis or describe missing fingers, toes, or eyesight. Nevertheless, we may wonder: Did the man notice a change in his skin? Did movement become easier? Was something visibly restored? Whatever the evidence, he recognized that he had been healed.
- Feeling — Hansen’s disease can also cause a loss of sensation. Perhaps this man noticed that his hands could feel again. That possibility is an illustration, not a detail supplied by Luke. The certainty is that Jesus had changed his condition, and he knew it.
Whatever it was that he saw—ἰδών (idōn), “having seen” or “when he saw”—he recognized that he had been healed. His healing was not an isolated event. The others had been cleansed as well. Yet Jesus’ questions reveal that only this foreigner returned to give glory to God (Luke 17:17–18). Someone might defend the nine by pointing to Jesus’ command: “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14). But the Lord’s response makes clear that obedience to that instruction did not make gratitude unnecessary. The Samaritan recognized that the One who had helped him deserved his worship and thanksgiving.
When did you realize that the Lord had answered your prayer? What has changed since Christ began His work in you? Where have you seen His forgiveness, His provision, or His power breaking sin’s hold? And what should it look like when you recognize His handiwork in your own life?
The questions and commentary of Jesus reveal the heart of the Father. Jesus said that whoever has seen Him has seen the Father (John 14:9). In the assessment of the Son, we see the Father’s desire for worshipers who worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24). We are reminded of David, who danced before the Lord with all his might and refused to let concern for his royal dignity silence his rejoicing (2 Samuel 6:14, 20–22).
What, then, should we do when we recognize the Lord’s mercy?
- Go Back (Luke 17:15) — Turn your attention from the gift to the One who graciously gave it. Make time to draw near to Jesus and acknowledge His help.
- Glorify Openly (Luke 17:15) — Let your words make God’s goodness known to those around you. Be ready to testify about what He has done in your life. Your testimony can encourage others to seek Him. Those who come to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
- Get Low (Luke 17:16) — Humble yourself before Jesus, remembering that His mercy—not your merit—has helped you. Let your posture and your choices express your dependence on Him.
- Give Thanks (Luke 17:16) — Name what He has done and personally thank Him for it. Do not let His kindness become so familiar that it goes unacknowledged.
In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.