The Grateful Outcast

READ: LUKE 17:11-19

“Jesus is coming,” Nathanael whispers. “He’s coming.” “Jesus?” I say, scratching another sore on my arm until it weeps.

“Oh, you Samaritans! Don’t you know anything?” Nathanael sighs. “He’s the Healer, like the prophets predicted. He can save us—even you.”

Ten of us are still alive in this leper colony. Staying at home would put our families at risk. Tears prick my eyes as I think of the day I left behind my wife and son—of the sadness on their faces. I miss them.

“Unclean!” people scream at us, hurrying by. “Ugh! Look at them!”

“Dear God,” I pray, “please, let Jesus heal me.”

“Jesus is coming,” Nathanael cries. “A huge crowd is following Him.”

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” we cry over and over again until our throats dry up. Sunshine scorches us, playing havoc with our wounds, my heart thumps as Jesus stops. He does not run away. His eyes reflect compassion and love. He reaches out to us. The crowd immediately disperses, shuddering.

“Go show yourselves to the priests,” Jesus says.

I want to shout out that they won’t let us near them. But then I remember my prayer, and I wonder if, maybe, this is God’s answer.

All of us obey. As we walk, my skin tingles. The heat is no longer intense. Before I even look down, I know I am well. Overcome with emotion, I jump up into the air!

I begin to praise God loudly, running back to Jesus, falling on the stony ground at His feet, unable to stop thanking Him.

Jesus speaks, His eyes rich with love, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.”

I run home, my heart soaring. Jesus has saved my life. • Cindy Lee

• Today’s story is how one author imagines Luke 17:11-19. When have you felt like an outcast? Read John 1:12 and 3:16. How does Jesus give us a place to belong? (To learn more, see or "Know Jesus" page.)

[Jesus said,] “Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:18 (NLT)