Faith Like a Mustard Seed
When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. Luke 17:15 · Berean Standard Bible
When one of them realizes he's been healed, he turns right around and comes back, praising God as loudly as he can.
Ten were healed. Only one came back. That ratio is uncomfortable — and it's meant to be.
Luke highlights this one man's response, making us notice both his gratitude and the absence of the other nine.
He was walking to the priest, looked at his hands, and saw clean skin. He couldn't keep going — he had to go back and say thank you.
One of the ten, upon seeing (idōn) his healing, turns back (hypestrepsen), praising God 'in a loud voice' (meta phōnēs megalēs). The same loud voice that cried for mercy now proclaims praise.
The verb 'turned back' (hypostrephō) is significant in Luke's theology, often associated with proper response to God's action. The one who returns contrasts with the nine who continue to the priest.
Luke narrates the singular response of the grateful leper, highlighting his return as exceptional and praiseworthy.
One leper — just one — notices he's healed, turns around, and comes back to Jesus, praising God at the top of his lungs.
13and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.
15When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice.
16He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan.
17“Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where then are the other nine?
Read all of Luke 17 — Ten lepers are cleansed, but only one returns to say thank you — and he's the outsider. Jesus teaches that the kingdom comes without warning.
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