Ten to One.
Proper 23, Year C; Luke 17:11-19
As Jesus makes His way to Jerusalem, ten men with leprosy stand at a distance and cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:13). Moved by mercy, Jesus gives them a command: “Go and show yourselves to the priests” (Luke 17:14; cf. Leviticus 14:2). In His mercy, He does not simply heal them on the spot, but gives them a word to obey. As they obey, they are made clean. His mercy restores them to health and makes them right again.
But mercy has an even deeper purpose. God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). The mercy of Jesus is not only to cleanse but to draw us back to Himself in worship. This is what happens with one man—a Samaritan—who turns back, praising God, falling at Jesus’ feet, and giving thanks (Luke 17:16). Jesus asks, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17). All ten received mercy, but only one returned. And to this one Jesus says, “Rise and go; your faith has saved you” (Luke 17:19).
The lesson on the surface is clear: obedience to Jesus brings cleansing, but salvation comes when mercy leads us back to Him in faith and worship.
But there is another layer to this story. Why ten lepers? In the Bible, the number ten often points to the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). These lepers, bearing uncleanness, picture our condition under God’s Law. They obey Jesus’ command, just as Israel was commanded to obey the Law. And through obedience, they are cleansed.
Yet cleansing is not salvation. The nine who did not return show us what happens when obedience stops short of worship. They received mercy, but they missed the One who gave it. Only the Samaritan fulfills the heart of the Law. By returning to Jesus, bowing down, and giving thanks, he keeps the first and greatest commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). His thanksgiving is a confession of faith: Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11).
This is the deeper truth: the Law acts as a tutor, pointing us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). God’s mercy in giving commands and blessings is meant to lead us to repentance—that is, to turn back to Him. His mercy draws us into worship, and that worship is the true picture of salvation. The psalmist says, “The one who offers thanksgiving glorifies Me” (Psalm 50:23). This is what the Samaritan leper does, and it is why Jesus declares him saved.
What It Means for Us
Jesus is merciful: He gives us commands that lead to cleansing and restoration (John 15:3). His mercy makes us right again.
Mercy leads to repentance: God shows us kindness to draw us back to Himself (Romans 2:4). Salvation comes when mercy results in worship.
Obedience matters: Like the ten lepers, we are called to do what Jesus says (John 14:15).
Faith saves: Blessings, healing, and outward obedience are not enough. True salvation comes when faith recognizes Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9–10).
Worship is the goal: The purpose of mercy and obedience is thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we return to Jesus in praise, we show that His mercy has reached our hearts.
The nine remind us that it is possible to enjoy God’s gifts yet miss the Giver. The one shows us the way: receive mercy, return to Jesus, and worship Him with thanksgiving. This is salvation—not just being made clean, but being made whole by faith in Christ.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Bruce
