In the gospel story, all ten lepers stand at some distance from Jesus. They call to Him, "Jesus! Master! Take pity on us." Jesus simply says, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." In humble obedience to Jesus, before any cure takes place, they go off to show themselves to the priests who are responsible for certifying a cure. This tests their faith! And while they are going on their way, they discover that they are cured.

They must have erupted in shouts of happiness, for their future is suddenly changed. They would be accepted back into their families and their community. The experience must be enormous for each of them.

But only one returns to give thanks. Jesus notes that this one is a Samaritan, almost a foreign pagan in Jewish eyes. The Samaritan is the only one to receive the full blessing bestowed by Jesus. His thankful heart brings him into a relationship. This relationship is the full blessing. He and Jesus connect; Jesus calls this, 'faith,' because He says, "Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you."

By coming back to meet Jesus and giving praise to God, the Samaritan receives the main part of the gift, which is a conscious relationship with Jesus. This is on a higher level than the physical level of the cure.