Luke 17:11
And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The journey to Jerusalem dominates Luke 9:51-19:27, providing the narrative framework for much of Jesus' teaching. Jerusalem represented both Israel's religious center and the place of prophets' deaths (Luke 13:33-34). Jesus' determined progress toward His crucifixion demonstrates His obedient fulfillment of the Father's will. The border region between Samaria and Galilee was ethnically mixed, which explains how the leper band included both Jews and Samaritans (v. 16). Normally, Jews and Samaritans avoided each other due to centuries of ethnic and religious hostility (John 4:9). But shared affliction created community among these outcasts—leprosy transcended ethnic divisions, uniting sufferers in common misery.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' journey to Jerusalem demonstrate obedience to God's will despite knowing suffering awaited?
- What does the mixed Jewish-Samaritan leper group teach about how suffering can transcend social divisions?
- How should Jesus' deliberate movement toward the cross shape Christian willingness to embrace difficult callings?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Journey context: 'And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.' Luke again notes Jesus' determined journey 'to Jerusalem' (εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ, eis Ierousalēm), emphasizing the cross's centrality. The route 'through the midst of Samaria and Galilee' (διὰ μέσον Σαμαρείας καὶ Γαλιλαίας, dia meson Samareias kai Galilaias) took Jesus through the border region between these territories. This geographical note sets up the healing of ten lepers (vv. 12-19), one of whom was a Samaritan. The detail establishes that Jesus' ministry transcended ethnic boundaries and that gratitude (or its absence) isn't determined by ethnicity—even despised Samaritans could demonstrate faith and thankfulness lacking in Jews.