Time after Pentecost · Year C
Proper 23
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 Commentary: Duty, Thankfulness and the Kingdom Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse treatment of the whole chapter, including the ten lepers.
Luke 17:11 Commentaries BibleHub
Collects several classic commentaries on the healing and the one who returned.
Luke Commentaries Precept Austin
Indexes detailed verse-by-verse notes and word studies across the Gospel.
Luke 17 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight
Albert Barnes on the healing of the ten and the thankful Samaritan.
Luke 17:11-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A preaching-focused reading of gratitude and the outsider who gives thanks.
Commentary on Luke 17:11-19 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary's exegesis of the healing and the Samaritan's return.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
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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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