What does Luke 17:16 mean?
Leprosy is a tragic condition. The word often translated "leprosy" in Scripture actually refers to a wide variety of skin ailments. Someone who suspects they might have leprosy is required to find a Jewish priest to get the diagnosis confirmed. They then must wear ripped clothing and unkempt hair as if they are in mourning. They aren't allowed to live in cities, associate with clean people—including their family—or worship at the temple (Leviticus 13).Separating this man further is the fact that he is a Samaritan. He is a descendant of the Jews of northern Israel and other nationalities the Assyrians settled into the area (2 Kings 17). Samaritan religion was a mix of Judaism and paganism, including the false religion created by Jeroboam when he split the ten tribes away from the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12). This man lives near the border between Galilee and Samaria, so he has regular contact with Jews who despise Samaritans (John 4:9; 8:48). And yet, he has community with nine other lepers, presumably all Jewish (Luke 17:12).
When Jesus enters the village, the group of lepers recognize Him, abandon their required cry of "Unclean, unclean," and shout out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." Jesus tells them to go to the priests. A leper will only go to the priest if he believes he is healed. This man is a Samaritan, but a Jewish priest can declare him clean again: the priest can judge the man suitable to return to his life. So, with the nine Jews, he immediately heads out (Luke 17:13–14).
As they go, their skin is healed. The other nine continue on their way. The Samaritan realizes he has met someone greater than any priest. He has met a teacher who displays the power of God. He turns around in thanksgiving and praise (Luke 17:15). Then, he does the unthinkable: he approaches Jesus. He isn't supposed to be near anyone until the priest declares him clean and he performs the week-long ceremony (Leviticus 14:1–32). But praise supersedes protocol.
Jesus declares for the benefit of the crowd, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17–18). Then He recognizes the Samaritan's faith, suggesting the man is spiritually healed as well as physically (Luke 17:19).
Healing has come to a Samaritan—a man the Jews find repulsive because of his genealogy and his religion. And yet he is the only one to turn back and recognize God's work in his life.
