Lepers, Judges, and Pride

As Jesus was nearing Galilee again, a group of lepers cried out to him for mercy. Filled with compassion Jesus healed all ten of them. But only one returned to thank him. Later that evening Jesus’ disciples began to ask Him about prayer. In response, He told them of a Judge who feared neither God nor people and a widow who would not give up. Eventually, the Judge gave up and granted the widow's request. Then He reminded both us and the disciples to be persistent in prayer because God is much more compassionate than this judge. The next day He taught the crowds a lesson on what it means to be humble in the sight of God.

In our last episode, we heard about a forgiving father who accepted his repentant son with open arms and provided a picture of God’s nature and desire to restore us all into his family. Jesus was showing the Pharisees that God rejoices greatly when one of his children returns to Him and that no matter what someone has done they are never too far from God for Him to reach them. Today we’ll hear as Jesus continues to extend mercy, compassion, and healing to those around him who have deep physical and spiritual needs. His unconditional and boundless love for humanity starkly contrasts the judgement and disdain the Pharisees show to those they’ve deemed unworthy. As we listen, Jesus will also teach a lesson about prayer and God’s willingness to hear our cries for help and forgiveness when we approach Him with a humble heart.