Where Are The Others?

I am amazed at how many people Jesus healed while he walked this earth.  There was no disease or ailment he could not cure—instantly.  One of the most dreaded diseases of that time was leprosy.  This disease not only destroyed the body but it also made the one who had it an outcast. 

In Luke chapter 17 we read how, on one occasion, Jesus healed ten men that suffered from the disease of leprosy.  It is saddening that only one of these men took the time to thank Jesus for saving his life and restoring his dignity.

In many ways leprosy is like sin.  In the same way leprosy devastates the body sin destroys the soul and makes us outcasts from God.  Thankfully Jesus gave us the cure for sin and it is freely available to all (Mark 16:16).  But, too often, those Jesus has made whole spiritually respond like those nine lepers who failed to show the Lord gratitude.

When only one leper returned Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed?  But where are the nine?”  Jesus could ask the same question today.  When only a small number show up for Sunday evening services Jesus must ask, “Where are the others?”  When only a few show up for gospel meetings the same question could be asked, “Where are the others?”

Were we not all cleansed by Jesus’ blood, just as He cleansed all ten lepers?  Is there not something wrong with one’s heart who does not have time for Jesus?  Shouldn’t we be grateful to Jesus for what He did for us?

In Christ,

Thomas Sneed

Pond Church of Christ