The answer is: Priests

Luke 17:11-14

In Luke 17:11-14, we see an enlightening encounter as Jesus meets the ten lepers on the road to Jerusalem. This tiny scene carries profound significance. Essentially, Jesus instructs them to go and show themselves to the priests — not just as a routine check-up but because, in ancient Israel, only priests had the authority to declare someone clean after they were healed of any ailments, including leprosy.

It's worth noting that leprosy during Jesus' time wasn't solely about the disease; it symbolized isolation and social stigma. By sending the lepers to the priests, Jesus effectively places faith and action together. Interestingly, as they made their way to the priests, they were healed — a strong affirmation of the role of faith in the healing process.

Trivia enthusiasts might be excited to know that lepers lived apart from society, as the law in Leviticus 13 dictated. This reflects a key theme in Luke's Gospel: Jesus breaking barriers and touching the untouchable, showing compassion to the marginalized.

And, in a twist to the story, only one of the ten lepers, a Samaritan, returned to express gratitude. This not only speaks volumes about his faith and character but serves as an urging reminder to cultivate thankfulness. Each of these layers invites deeper consideration of how we interact with those often pushed to the margins, encouraging acceptance rather than exclusion in our communities today.