From the three faith expressions we could suggest that the Cleansed Leper had a religious faith but converted to the faith of Jesus Christ – through the gift of faith for salvation. The Canaanite Woman had a spiritual faith that endures all things; and the Penitent Thief had the gift of faith for Salvation. Let us now examine some of the principles driving from the expression of these faiths.
1) Humble Faith Cries Out For Mercy
Common to all the expressions is the humility in the faiths where they cry unto Jesus for mercy. Believers should be aware that the cry of mercy in this case is for compassion when one is in affliction or misery. To seek God’s mercy in misery is to acknowledge His power and might thereby to humble one’s faith in His ability to help (see Lamentation 3:19-20).
Even Jesus “being found in fashion as a man”, raised a cry of mercy in humble faith saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and in humility became obedient unto death, and was exalted by God (Philippians 2:8-11).
Brethren, please consider that “it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning….” (Lamentation 3:22-23). We should therefore endeavour always to raise the cry of mercy or call on God when we find ourselves in misery since such cry breeds humility of faith.
2) Humble Faith Perseveres
Like the Canaanite woman, brethren, we must persevere in our faith in order to achieve our desires of the Lord. Note that when the woman cried for mercy, the disciples tried to send her away, and Jesus rebuffs her as an outsider. Yet she was relentless and continued to worship Jesus crying, for help until she got her desire. “God [shall] avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bears long with them” (Luke 18:6).
What the expression also teaches is that humble perseverance in faith requires unwavering focus on God, patience and courage in our seeking. The Canaanite woman would not be distracted, or be prideful, such as to take offence in Jesus’ “bread to dogs” analogy. Rather she saw in it an opportunity – that dogs can eat fallen crumbs from their masters table (Matthew 15:23-27). The focus was not on herself, or her situation, but on Jesus who could help her.
People of God, if one is willing to be so humbled and persevere, then there could be hope; “for the Lord will not cast off forever” (Lamentation 3:29-31 James 1:3 &12). Know that the trying of your faith worketh patience, and “by your patient endurance, you will gain your soul” (Luke 21:19; Romans 5:4).
3) Humble Faith Testifies of Jesus’ Works Over The Law
Under the Jewish law lepers were deemed “defiled” and “unclean” and were to dwell alone outside the camp of the children of Israel (Leviticus 13:44-46). This is why when they cried for mercy, Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests. It was as the ten lepers went on their way to the priests that they were cleansed.
Now note that the priests did not have power to cure the leprosy; but to examine the individual and if certain symptoms were verified, would perform various cleansing and atonement rites (Leviticus Ch. 14). So who deserved the testimony in this case – the priests or Jesus? Certainly Jesus! The Samaritan Leper got this conviction and “turned back, and glorified God, and thanked Jesus and this faith made him whole.
Yet the remaining nine lepers, blinded and bound by custom chose to go on to give testimony to the priests. Even the Canaanite Woman did not place her faith in the religious order (that excluded her), but in the power of God that worked through Jesus.
While the law provides a priestly function and process for cleansing it does cure the infirmity, or set one completely free from bondage of sin. Only Jesus our “great High priest” by his blood can cleanse and atone for our sins for eternity (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Although those who are “washed” (i.e. who believe on Jesus) are deemed to be completely clean, the faith expression of the nine lepers show that not all that are “washed” are clean (John 13:10). Therefore, brethren, search your hearts and in humility “believe [Jesus] that [he is] in the Father and the Father is in [him] or at least believe because of the works themselves” which testify of him (John 14:11; John 10:25)
4) Humble Faith Brings Outcasts Under Grace
All three faithful were outcasts for various reasons, and hoped in Jesus’ Grace: The Canaanite woman did not belong among the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”(Matthew 15:23-24). The Samaritan leper was ostracised for being a leper and was deemed a stranger with whom Jews had no dealing (John 4:9; 2 Kings 17:24). And the Penitent Thief was condemned to death on the cross. Yet we see that the Grace of Jesus Christ abounds to all who would “BELIEVE IN [HIM] FROM THE HEART” and redeems them unto God (Romans 10:8-10; Deuteronomy 30:14-15; Revelation 5: 9-10).
The Canaanite woman demonstrates the inclusive nature of Grace. In spite of the analogy that equated her desires with “dogs”, she acknowledges that Jesus was her Master too. She places herself within his Grace stating that the “dogs” belonged to the master as well, and therefore they too should benefit from His “bread” from their position under the masters’ table. Like her, we should not desire to be of “the children”, or of “the chosen”, but be content to be within the household of God under GRACE.
5) A Humble Faith Repents unto Salvation
The Penitent Thief was condemned to die for a wrong that he had committed. But he repents and confesses his sin. Such was his conviction that even though he knew Jesus was going to die with them, yet he believed in his power to grant salvation – eternal life (John 3:16; John 17:2-3). So he said to him “Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom (Luke 23:42).
God leads people to repentance by conviction in our consciences and heart, out of “the riches of his goodness”(Romans 2:4). Humility should therefore guide all of us to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek His mercy. If we confess our sins, as did the Penitent thief, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
5. BELIEVER’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
