God Heals Foreigners – 9 October 2022

Luke 17:11–19

We have here a story about faith, grace, and gratitude. The setting echoes that of the earlier lesson about Naaman. Ten men afflicted with leprosy are desperate to receive help and stop Jesus as he approaches a village. Like Naaman, who sought out the prophet Elisha, they are told to go take a visible action (see a priest, dip in the Jordan River seven times) that illustrates an invisible hope. In the action, faith works and healing occurs.

Naaman, a foreigner to the ways and worship of Israel, responds with great gratitude and commits his life wholeheartedly to God; of the ten men who are healed by Jesus, only one returns to give thanks. He, too, is a foreigner—a Samaritan. Notice that Jesus had placed no distinction with regard to nationality or religious faith when he offered the healing. This is Christ’s grace, free and available to all.

Finally, Jesus notes that 90 percent of the group has not managed to make it back to say thanks. Could we say that this is about par for the course, even—and especially—amongst the religious folks of our time? We may ask for a lot, and we may occasionally receive it out of the gracious nature of our Lord. Do we even pause to say thanks, much less go out of our way to return to Christ for service?

The hymn writer William Cowper made famous the statement, “God moves in a mysterious way, [God’s] wonders to perform.” Certainly, none of us can limit the ways in which God may choose to effect God’s work in the world.

What do an Aramean, a Moabitess, and a Samaritan—all non-Jewish people—have in common? In the case of our lessons, they apparently have the blessing and grace of God. –– John Fairless

2 Timothy 2:8–15

Paul reminds Timothy that Jesus, the one who has been raised from the dead, is also the one who is descended from David (noted earlier in the commentary on Ruth).

Using three vivid illustrations in succession, Paul also reminds Timothy of the need to work hard and play by the rules when living the Christian life. His reward will be like that of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer, all of whom benefit from the discipline and effort they expend. –– John Fairless

2 Kings 5:1–3, 7–15c

The story of Naaman, a foreigner afflicted with leprosy who comes to find healing at the hands of Elisha, continues the theme of God’s work as it is accomplished in unusual and unexpected ways. In and of itself, the story is a masterful illustration of pride versus humility, power versus surrender, and arrogance versus thankfulness.

Of course, the story serves as a strong comparison to the Gospel story, as well. Naaman’s response is much more like that of another foreigner, the Samaritan healed by Jesus, than of those who failed to return to give thanks. One might well say that Naaman experiences a true conversion through his dramatic healing. His testimony is, “[Y]our servant will no longer offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god except the LORD” (v 17). –– John Fairless

John P. Fairless is senior minister of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Florida.

Homily Service 43, no. 4 (2010): 57–66.