And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

Luke 17:11-12

Jesus performed many miracles and taught at length in the cities of Galilee and Samaria, yet, as His earthly ministry is coming to a close, He is rejected by both regions and must pass by them along their joining border as He travels to Jerusalem. Along His journey, Jesus comes to a colony that neither country wanted in their midst. This place was a leper colony!

Leviticus, Chapter 13 teaches why these men were away from everyone. The law required that they be separated so that their disease would not spread. However, they did not have to be rejected completely by society! Neither country wanted these men anywhere near them so they set-up this little village as far from the rest of civilization as they could. These men were completely rejected and considered to be a lost cause.

But… Jesus is the Son of God, and knows everything. Nothing surprises Him. So, He didn’t just “happen upon” this village. Jesus knew it was there, and purposefully went this way so that He could help these men. Jesus is the solution for lost causes!

When we find ourselves to be rejected by the world, we do not need to be afraid. When we think our cause is hopeless, we do not need to despair. Jesus is the Redeemer of lost causes!

When we can’t find our way and we feel to be an outcast, we need to remember that Jesus comes to the outcast. Jesus seeks His sheep, and He finds them. Jesus heals the broken-hearted. Jesus is the Friend of sinners!