Topical Encyclopedia
The account of the Samaritan leper is a profound illustration of faith in Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This narrative not only highlights the miraculous healing power of Jesus but also underscores the importance of gratitude and faith in the life of a believer.
Biblical AccountThe account is found in
Luke 17:11-19. As Jesus was traveling along the border between Samaria and Galilee, He encountered ten lepers who stood at a distance and cried out for mercy. The lepers, aware of their condition and the social stigma attached to it, called out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" (
Luke 17:13). Jesus, moved by their plea, instructed them to go and show themselves to the priests, a directive that required faith, as they were not yet healed.
As they obeyed and went on their way, they were cleansed of their leprosy. However, only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus, praising God with a loud voice. He fell at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. Jesus responded, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where then are the other nine? Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?" (
Luke 17:17-18). Jesus then said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well" (
Luke 17:19).
Theological SignificanceThe Samaritan leper's response to his healing is a testament to genuine faith in Christ. While all ten lepers were physically healed, only the Samaritan received a deeper, spiritual healing. His return to Jesus signifies a recognition of Jesus' divine authority and a heart transformed by faith. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt response of gratitude and worship.
The fact that the grateful leper was a Samaritan is significant. Samaritans were often despised by the Jews, yet Jesus' ministry consistently reached out to those marginalized by society. This account illustrates that faith in Christ transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, offering salvation to all who believe.
Lessons on Faith1.
Obedience and Trust: The lepers' initial act of faith was their obedience to Jesus' command to show themselves to the priests. Despite not seeing immediate results, they trusted Jesus' words, which led to their healing. This teaches believers the importance of trusting in Christ's promises, even when the outcome is not immediately visible.
2.
Gratitude as an Expression of Faith: The Samaritan's return to thank Jesus highlights gratitude as a natural outflow of faith. True faith recognizes the source of blessings and responds with worship and thanksgiving.
3.
Faith and Salvation: Jesus' final words to the Samaritan, "your faith has made you well," indicate that faith in Christ brings about a holistic healing—both physical and spiritual. This underscores the Christian belief that faith in Jesus is essential for salvation and a restored relationship with God.
The account of the Samaritan leper serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith in Christ. It calls believers to a life of obedience, gratitude, and recognition of Jesus as the source of all healing and salvation.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 17:11-19And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the middle of Samaria and Galilee.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... of their Failure.--The Power of Faith.--Prayer and ... Lepers that were Healed.--Gratitude
of the Samaritan Leper. ... CHRIST'S STAY AT JERUSALEM DURING THE FEAST OF ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/
His Life
... THE GOOD SAMARITAN. IN JERUSALEM--THE ATTEMPT TO ARREST HIM. ... "INCREASE OUR FAITH.".
NEAR JERUSALEM--THE PLOT TO KILL HIM. ... THE CHALLENGE OF CHRIST'S AUTHORITY. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/
The Gospel of Luke
... In the synagogue at Nazareth Christ points out that God ... 4:25-27; He declares that
the faith of the ... the Samaritans, 10: 30-37; heals the Samaritan leper as well ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm
Feeding Upon Christ.
... He had declared himself to the Samaritan woman as the giver of the ... Their faith was
not strong enough to accept the great doctrine of ... that thou art the Christ. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/feeding upon christ.htm
C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... were granted, and with the act of faith comes the ... The command of Christ involved
a promise and upon his ... feet, giving thanks: and he was a Samaritan." There is ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm
Where are the Nine?
... And he was a Samaritan.' That may ... Christ's raising of him up, and sending him on
his way to resume his ... to the priest, was but a prelude to 'Thy faith hath made ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/where are the nine.htm
The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... yet who was the God to whom the Samaritan gave thanks ... He by whom all had hitherto
been healed through Christ? ... therefore it was said to him, "Thy faith hath made ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm
Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
... Though the Samaritan's religion was partly Jewish, yet by ... longing for the coming
of the Christ is frequently ... suffering which precedes it, that the faith of his ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcv journey to jerusalem ten.htm
The Gospel According to St. Luke
... over cities of Galilee, the good Samaritan, Mary and ... Parables to {78} illustrate
Christ's care for the lost (xv ... of stumbling, the increase of faith, the truth ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm
Introduction
... divides race from race; a despised Samaritan stands as ... to insignificance by this
incomparable courage of Christ. ... none the less real, was his constant faith. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/introduction.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a leap of faith? | GotQuestions.orgHow can you believe in salvation by faith alone when the only occurrence of 'faith alone' in the Bible (James 2:24) says that salvation is not by faith alone? | GotQuestions.orgFaith: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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