Trinity/After Pentecost · The Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity
Luke 17:11-19
Ten Healed of Leprosy
September 6, 2026
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
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Luke Chapter 17 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the ten lepers and the one who returned to give thanks.
Luke 17:11 Commentaries BibleHub
A stack of classic commentators such as Barnes, Gill, and the Pulpit Commentary on the cleansing of the ten lepers.
Luke 17 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies, quotations, and cross references worked verse by verse through the chapter.
Commentary on Luke 17:11-19 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of Jesus at the boundary and the doubly marginalized Samaritan who returns to give thanks.
Luke 17:11-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on gratitude and the faith that makes the grateful leper well.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Luke Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Luke's authorship, its concern for outsiders, and its journey to Jerusalem.
Gospel of Luke Overview (Chapters 10-24) BibleProject
An animated walk through the second half of Luke that frames the journey where the lepers are healed.
Luke 17:11 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for mercy, cleansing, thanksgiving, and being made well.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
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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