John Calvin Commentary Luke 17:11

"And it came to pass, as they were on their way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee." — Luke 17:11 (ASV)

As on a previous occasion, Matthew and the other two Evangelists (Matthew 8:1; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12) related that a leper had been cleansed by Christ, so Luke mentions that the same miracle of healing was performed on ten lepers.

The purpose of this narrative, however, is different, for it describes the base and incredible ingratitude of the Jewish nation. This is told so that we do not wonder why so many of Christ’s favors were suppressed, and so many of his wonderful works buried, among them.

One circumstance is also added that greatly heightens the infamy of their crime. Our Lord had cured nine Jews. Yet not one of them returned thanks; instead, intending to erase the memory of their disease, they privately slipped away. Only one man—a Samaritan—acknowledged his obligation to Christ.

Therefore, on the one hand, this narrative displays Christ’s divine power. On the other hand, it reproves the impiety of the Jews, because of which such a remarkable miracle received scarcely any attention.