The Grateful Outcast

“Jesus is coming,†Nathanial whispers. “He’s coming.â€

“Jesus,†I say, scratching another sore on my arm until it weeps.

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

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!â€

“Dear God,†I pray, “Whatever Jesus wants, I promise I will do it.â€

“Jesus is coming,†Nathanial cries. “A huge crowd is following Him.â€

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!†we cry over and over again until our throats dry up.

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 and 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 promise to God.

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 and run back to Jesus, falling on the stony ground at His feet, unable to stop thanking Him.

Jesus speaks, His eyes rich with love. “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner? Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you.â€

I run back to the priests and then to my home, my heart soaring. Jesus has saved my life. • Cindy Lee

• Have you ever felt like an outcast? Read John 1:12 and 3:16. How does Jesus give us a place to belong? (To learn more, check out our “Know Jesus” page.)

Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner? Luke 17:18 (WEB)

Read Verses:

Luke 17:11-19