The disease called leprosy in the Bible is generally thought to be the same as what we call Hansen's disease today. That disease often results in rotting flesh, which can be repulsive. That would at least partially explain why lepers were outcasts, forced to live outside the village. As seen in today's passage, they weren't even allowed to get close to other people. It's interesting that Jesus didn't heal the 10 lepers on the spot. Before they could be healed, they had to act on what Jesus told them to do. They had to respond to Jesus in faith by heading toward town to see the priest. If they hadn't trusted Jesus, they probably wouldn't have gone-they would have looked foolish showing up before the priest still having leprosy. But when they demonstrated their faith, they were healed.
Luke 17:11-19
1 Thessalonians 5:18
• How would you feel if you were one of the 10 lepers Jesus healed?
• What would you tell people if you had just been healed? How would you act?
• Why do you think only one person returned to thank Jesus for what he had done?
• Are there things in your life lately that you've forgotten or neglected to thank Jesus for?
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