The answer is: Priests

Luke 17:11-14

In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a poignant moment where Jesus meets ten lepers. At that time, leprosy was both a physical ailment and a social stigma, often making those afflicted feel like outcasts. When Jesus instructed the lepers to “go show yourselves to the priests,” he adhered to the Mosaic Law, which mandated that anyone healed of leprosy needed to show themselves to a priest for approval before reentering society (Leviticus 14). This directive symbolized more than mere legal compliance; it was an act of faith, as the lepers weren’t healed until they started on their journey to the priests.

Now, consider this: it’s said that leprosy during this period could actually refer to a variety of skin diseases, which served to isolate many from their families and communities. But here’s where it really gets interesting—the lepers didn't immediately see their healing; it wasn’t until they were en route to the priests that their transformation took effect. This highlights a beautiful truth about faith: often, it requires us to move forward even before we witness the outcome.

And let's not forget the significance of the number ten—the Jewish tradition often points out the link between ten individuals and community. This encounter not only addresses personal restoration but also something larger, a reminder of the collective bond with society. While we’re never told if those lepers returned to thank Jesus, their story reverberates through time, showcasing the deep compassion at the heart of his ministry.