Pentecost Season · Year C
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 15, 2028
Overview & Insights
“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19)
In 17:11 Luke reminds us that Jesus and his disciples are still on the journey to Jerusalem. Much of the journey narrative (9:51–19:44) consists of teaching given to the disciples. In the last few chapters this has largely taken the form of parables, and we will return to parables at the beginning of chapter 18. But in this section we find four separate units of teaching (17:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–10), loosely connected in that all relate to the nature and demands of discipleship, followed by a brief exemplary story. The story involves a Samaritan, whose action, like that of the good Samaritan in 10:30–37, shows up the failure of the Jews in the story and so reinforces Luke’s insistent challenge to accepted social conventions.
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Commentary
Luke 17:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Multiple classic commentators side by side on the ten men calling out to Jesus.
Luke 17 Commentary: Ten Lepers Cleansed Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse commentary on the whole chapter, including the grateful Samaritan.
Luke 17 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed word-by-word study notes on the healing and the one who returned.
Commentary on Luke 17:11-19 Working Preacher
A pastoral reading focused on Luke's theme of reversal and outsider faith.
Luke 17:11-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on the Greek word for 'well' behind Jesus' words to the Samaritan.
Luke 17:12 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with Strong's numbers for the men's cry for mercy.
How to Receive Grace, Proper 23 (C) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
A full sermon connecting Naaman and the grateful Samaritan, free to adapt or use as is.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
Why is the healing of the ten lepers read at Thanksgiving?
Ten lepers are healed, but only one, a Samaritan, turns back to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11–19). The story sets gratitude at the center of faith: “your faith has made you well.” It is the appointed Gospel for Thanksgiving Day in Year A.
What are the Thanksgiving Day readings?
For Thanksgiving Day, Year A, the Revised Common Lectionary appoints Deuteronomy 8:7–18, Psalm 65, 2 Corinthians 9:6–15, and Luke 17:11–19.
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