"And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee" (Luke 17:11). These words have been thought to introduce the last six months of the Master's earthly career, which terminated in Jerusalem at the Passover.
Luke continues, "And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us" (17:12, 13). Ancient Hebrew laws forbade any social freedom to those afflicted with leprosy. Israelite history, however, had recorded various instances of healing of the dread disease. And as Christ Jesus' reputation for healing all kinds of disease, including leprosy, had spread widely, these men apparently felt confident of receiving help. His simple instruction to them to go and show themselves to the priests (see Lev. 14:1, 2) appears to have been obeyed at once, and "as they went, they were cleansed" (Luke 17:14). Nine of the men failed to express any gratitude; but "one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan" (verses 15, 16).
It is assumed that the nine were Jews. As in other instances, Luke, who was not a Jew but a Greek, is careful to note here the good qualities of the Samaritans, who were regarded by the Jews as outcasts. In fact, had it not been for the lepers' mutual misery, the Samaritan would not have been allowed to mingle with the nine. The grateful man received this confirmation of his healing (verse 19): "Thy faith hath made thee whole."
