Pentecost Season · 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
Commentary on Luke 17:11-19 Working Preacher
Highlights that it is the outsider, a Samaritan, who alone returns to give thanks.
Luke 17:11-19 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Notes the Greek link between being made well and being saved in the returning leper's faith.
Luke 17 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse notes on the healing of the ten and the one who returned.
Luke 17 Commentary Precept Austin
A detailed evangelical verse-by-verse walk through the chapter.
Luke 17:11 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentators on the ten lepers and the grateful Samaritan.
Bible Study: Proper 23 (C) – 2025 Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Episcopal study resource on the Samaritan leper's return and gratitude.
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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