In the Old and New Testaments, “leprosy” referred to all kinds of skin infections. “Leprosy” rendered people impure. It was the function of the priest to ascertain its existence or to pronounce it cured, basing his judgment on a precise set of symptoms. The leper was isolated from the general population to see if the disease spreads or recedes. The cured leper had to present himself to the priest so that the cure could be officially declared. He was also obliged to offer prescribed sacrifices for his purification.
The ten lepers called out to Jesus to have pity on them. Without hesitation, Jesus sent them to the priests and all ten were cured. By curing the lepers, Jesus showed that God’s love, compassion and mercy is for everyone, including those we consider as outcasts of society. But only one of the cured lepers, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus and praise God. During Jesus’ time, the Samaritans and Jews didn’t agree on a lot of things and were practically on non-speaking terms. But this “foreigner’s” sincere outpouring of thanks and praise moved Jesus to totally cure the Samaritan and forgive his sins.
A sincere faith and love of God is most pleasing to Him and leads to our salvation.
