Do you praise God enough? Do you do it in the right way or in the right place? These might be questions that you are asking yourself after reading these verses. But that’s not why Luke included these words. They’re not there to make us feel guilty.

This story is in the Bible to teach us about Christ and his kingdom work. These verses tell us that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the center of Christ’s kingdom work. All the things that he is doing are working towards his kingdom, his reign. 

These ten lepers had a skin disease and so were outcasts. They were the lowly people. No one really cared about them. They weren’t allowed to worship in the temple or have any contact with others. When these ten lepers see Jesus, they call out to him from afar. They had heard all about Jesus and knew that he could heal them of their leprosy. They call out, begging the master to heal them. When Jesus tells them to show themselves to the priest, they know immediately that this means they are going to be healed, and so they head off towards the priest.

On the way, they are all suddenly healed. All ten of them. Nine of them continue on to the priest, but one turns around and returns to Jesus to thank him. Why does only one come back to thank Jesus? The Bible tells us that he saw that he was healed and then came back. The Holy Spirit opened his eyes to see what was really happening. By showing that he was able to heal them from their leprosy, Jesus was teaching them that he can save them from their sins. And this is what the one healed leper saw. He believed in the Lord Jesus. And that’s why he goes back to Jesus to praise and worship him.

Jesus is at work in your heart too. You too are part of his kingdom work. Fix your eyes on Jesus and praise and worship him!

Reflection with your child:

What is Jesus showing by healing these lepers?

Source: Sermon by Rev. R. de Jonge