Free From Tradition

As He went on His way to Jerusalem, it occurred that Jesus was passing along the border between Samaria and Galilee. And as He was going into one of the villages, He was met by ten leppers, who stood at a distance. And they raised up their voices and called, "Jesus, Master, take pity and have mercy on us!" And when He saw them, He said to them, "Go at once and show yourselves to the priests". And as they went, they were cured and made clean.
Then one of them, seeing he was made clean, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. And he fell prostrate at Jesus' feet, thanking Him over and over. And He was a Samaratin.
Then Jesus asked, "We're not all ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was there no one found to return to recognise and give praise to God except this alien?" And He said to him, "get up and go on your way. Your faith has restored you to health." Luke 17:11-19

The leppers all recognised Jesus as Lord and master. We know the area was on the border of Samaria and Galilee and therefore the mix of race with the leppers was quite possible and in fact proved to be the case here. They were bound by a common bond, their disease. As one they were outcasts.

Being told to go and show themselves to the priest was something the Jews knew to do. I wonder if the Samaritins had a different practice. Sometimes we can be so locked into ritual and protocol that we leave the best behind. Yes Jesus told them to go, but we find that the 'aliens' Jesus deals with show a freedom the Jews do not, they are not bound by rules and regulations when it comes to their faith.

The one who returned knew he must go back to the One who restored him and give thanks, he was beyond grateful. Grateful that he, a Samaratin was healed just as the Jews were, he was not a lesser person when it came to his healing.

Let's not be so stuck in our traditions that we miss the glory of God but rather stay soft, supple and open to His ways. Amen!

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