The Healing Of The Ten Lepers

Late Winter, c. 33 AD

The Healing Of The Ten Lepers

While passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee, Jesus encountered a group of ten leprous men who stood at a distance, crying out for mercy. In a test of their faith, the Master did not touch them, but simply commanded them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they went in obedience, their rotting flesh was miraculously cleansed.

However, of the ten who were healed, only one turned back to glorify God. He fell on his face at the feet of Jesus, offering profound thanks. Adding to the shock of the surrounding crowds, the man was a Samaritan—a hated foreigner. Jesus noted the absence of the other nine, declaring that this foreigner's faith had made him entirely well.

"And as He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'"
— Luke 17:12-13 (LSB)

Timeline Box: This healing took place along the Samaritan border during the final, indirect journey toward Jerusalem.

Divided Kingdom Era, 622 BC

Josiah Begins Repairing The Temple

In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah has initiated a major project to repair the House of Yahweh. He has dispatched Shaphan the scribe and Maaseiah the city official to deliver the collected money to the workmen. It is during this crucial renovation project that the lost Book of the Law will be dramatically rediscovered in the rubble.

"Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah... to repair the house of Yahweh his God."
— 2 Chronicles 34:8 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Josiah's repairs preceded the great Passover, aligning with the late-year preparations of Adar.

United Kingdom Era, c. 960 BC

Solomon's Wisdom Attracts The Nations

The reputation of King Solomon has grown so vast that dignitaries from all over the known world are traveling to Jerusalem to hear him. God has given him wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and he has spoken thousands of proverbs and songs. The glory of the Israelite kingdom is at its absolute zenith.

"And men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom."
— 1 Kings 4:34 (LSB)

Timeline Box: Solomon's reign represents the golden age of Israelite influence before the division of the kingdom.

Editorial: The Rarity Of Gratitude

Ten men received a miracle, but only one returned to give thanks. It is a sobering ratio that often reflects the human condition. We are quick to cry out for mercy in our "leprosy," but frequently forget the Healer once the blessing is secured.

True worship involves a return. Josiah recognized the disrepair of the Temple and returned the resources to fix it; the Samaritan recognized his healing and returned to fall at the feet of Jesus. As the final day of the biblical year comes to a close, let us examine our own hearts. Have we taken the blessings of the past year for granted, or are we returning to the Master with a loud voice of gratitude?

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