The miracles of Jesus - Classical Christian Literature by Athleo.net

THE TEN LEPERS 271
others, and he is seen running back swiftly, like
one in abounding health, shouting out his praise to
God, and eager to pour out his thanks to his kind
benefactor.
" And one of them, when he saw he was
healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified
God, and fell down at His feet, giving Him thanks,
and he was a Samaritan."
This was an act dear to the heart of Jesus, and He
showed it in a characteristic outpouring of mingled
joy and sadness. Joy at the sight of a man who
could be grateful for a kindness, and who, being
healed of a grievous disease, thought first of God the
Giver of every good and perfect gift, then of the Good
Physician who had brought the healing grace of God
to him, and only last of all of the formal process of
ceremonial cleansing which would make him a free
man in form as well as fact. But sadness too : for
ten were healed, and here was but one to give thanks.
Jesus thought of the contrast with shame.
Only one
out of ten with a thought of the divine blessing he
had received ; and this man not an Israelite at all, but
a Samaritan And ! Jesus answering, said, " Were
there not ten cleansed But where are the nine
There are not found that returned to give glory to
God save this stranger—this alien !
",.
3. One other characteristic touch in this 7iarrative
we zvill mention before passing on. It is the way in
which Jesus, having given this man health, crowns His
blessing by recognising and perfecting the work of grace
in his heart.
" And He said unto him, Go thy way, thy faith hath
made thee whole."
This does not mean that this man alone was