One of the things I love most about scripture is how, even thousands of years later, these ancient stories still have the power to surprise us, to challenge us, and to inspire us. Today, as we hear about the healing of Naaman, the Syrian general, and the ten lepers whom Jesus heals, we are reminded of God’s unexpected mercy—and how gratitude can change everything.
Let’s start with Naaman’s story. We have to remember that Aram—today’s Syria—was no friend of Israel. In fact, the Bible tells us that God even allowed Aram to win battles against Israel under Naaman’s command. Yet, it’s in this context of suspicion that something truly remarkable happens.
Naaman, though a mighty and respected warrior, suffers from a skin disease—a condition that would have marked him as unclean, an outsider, even among his own people. In a surprising twist, the person who offers hope is not a great soldier or king, but a young Israelite girl who has been taken captive. She tells Naaman’s wife about the prophet Elisha in Samaria, saying, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his skin disease.”
Unfortunately, our lectionary leaves out verses 4-6, which give some helpful information. After we learn that the Israelite girl suggested to Naaman’s wife that he could be healed by the prophet, it says:
4 So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. 5 And the king of Aram said, “Go, then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.”
He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. 6 He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his skin disease.”
Eager for healing, Naaman sets off with his gifts fit for royalty and the letter from his king to the king of Israel, requesting a cure. But instead of seeing this as an opportunity for peace or healing, the king of Israel panics, fearing this request is a pretext for war. He thinks, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his skin disease?” The situation seems tense, maybe even hopeless.
But Elisha, the prophet, steps in. He doesn’t greet Naaman with fanfare or even come outside to meet him. Instead, through a messenger, Elisha tells Naaman to wash seven times in the river Jordan. Naaman is offended! He expected a dramatic ceremony, a show of respect—after all, he’s an important man. But it takes the gentle persuasion of his own servants to set him straight: if he would do something difficult for healing, why not this simple act? Naaman reluctantly complies, and he is healed—his skin is restored, and so is his spirit. He returns, full of gratitude, proclaiming, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.”
Now, fast forward to the Gospel of Luke. Ten lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy. Like Naaman, they are outcasts. Jesus doesn’t touch them or perform any grand gestures. He simply tells them to go show themselves to the priests. As they go, they are cleansed. But only one, a Samaritan—another foreigner, another “enemy” in the eyes of Jesus’ Jewish followers—turns back, praising God and falling at Jesus’ feet in gratitude.
Notice the parallels. Both Naaman and the Samaritan leper are outsiders, both are healed by a word, not a touch, and both respond with deep gratitude while others do not. In both stories, those considered “enemies” or “unworthy” by society are the ones who experience God’s healing and return in thanksgiving. The implication? God’s mercy reaches beyond boundaries and expectations. God cares for those we might overlook, mistrust, or even fear.
This is echoed in our Psalm today: “Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart…” Gratitude is the thread that weaves through these readings. Naaman and the healed Samaritan both model a thanksgiving that flows not from entitlement, but from humility and awe at God’s grace.
What about us who gather here today? Where do we see ourselves in these stories? Sometimes, like Naaman, we might bristle when things don’t happen the way we expect. Sometimes, we may forget to return and give thanks when our prayers are answered. Other times, we might be the ones who feel like outsiders—longing for healing, hoping for acceptance.
But the message today is clear: No one is beyond God’s care. Healing, wholeness, and mercy are not a limited resource, rationed out to the deserving or to those like us. God’s love reaches out to all—even to those the world calls “enemy.” Today we are invited to step into that love with gratitude.
May we, like Naaman and the grateful Samaritan, have eyes to see God’s unexpected grace. May we respond with humility, with courage, and with thankful hearts, offering our lives in praise for the God who heals and restores us all.
