"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan" (Luke 17:15-16)
Ten were cleansed of leprosy. Only one, a foreigner, a Samaritan came back to say thanks. "And he was a Samaritan." Why did Luke have to say that? What difference his Nationality? Why disturb the first century Jewish reading audience? Samaritans were considered by the Jews to be worse than dogs. So, why would Jesus distract from his lesson?
I think Luke is warning us. On every page, he gives favorable attention to those outside of accepted religious and social circles. Luke's pattern is set in a larger contest and might have much to say to the traditional and conventional church today. Note the following:
Jesus singles out the Samaritan leper who, in gratitude, fell on his face in front of Jesus. Levi, a tax collector, gave a banquet for Jesus while the Scribes complained. A sinful woman washed Jesus' feet while Simon, the host, criticized both. Zacchaeus, another tax collector, joyfully received Jesus into his house, while his neighbors grumbled. Also, the significance of the above pattern is underlined by Jesus' own comments. He complemented the centurion who asked for the healing of his servant and Jesus says he'd seen no such faith in Israel. It was the Samaritan and not the respectable Priest or Levite who was made the example of being a neighbor. Jesus reminded the Jews that It was a non-Israelite widow who housed the prophet Elijah, and, it was Naaman, the Syrian, who was the only leper Elijah ever healed.
The Bible indicates there is great danger in thinking that ones self is on the inside while all that do not see with their eyes are on the outside looking in.
Why did the "outsider" receive such favor in the Gospel stories? The answer is because they came to Jesus with a deep sense of need, they claimed no resources of their own and were overwhelmed with problems. They needed help, asked for it, received it and were grateful.
Charles
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