Emphasis Preaching Journal
The story of healing of...
Illustration
The story of healing of Naaman, the Syrian, by Elisha is brought to mind by this text. (2 Kings 5) In this instance, Jesus heals from a distance. Luke's audience is separated from Jesus by time and place. His benefits are available to them, also. The Samaritan would be of interest to Gentiles, and Luke has a special concern for the Gentile mission of the church. The emphasis falls not on the physical healing, but on the recognition of the healer and the birth of a new relationship. We are all debtors to the benevolence of God, whether we recognize it or not.