The answer is: Priests

Luke 17:11-14

In the account from Luke 17:11-14, Jesus astonishingly tells the ten lepers to present themselves to the priests. This really connects back to Levitical laws in the Old Testament, where only priests had the authority to declare someone healed or clean from leprosy (Leviticus 14). It wasn’t just an arbitrary command; it illustrated just how entrenched in Jewish culture these rituals were. By directing them to the priests, Jesus is showing respect for the established religious system, while simultaneously challenging it by initiating an act of faith.

What's intriguing here is that as the ten lepers set off to see the priests, they aren't healed immediately. It’s only as they go, acting on Jesus's word, that they are miraculously cleansed. This presents a fascinating example of faith and obedience, as they took action despite still showing symptoms.

Interestingly, this is one of the few passages that highlight Jesus' interactions with outcasts, showing his compassion crosses social and religious boundaries. Additionally, there’s a poignant twist to the story: only one of them—a Samaritan—returns to thank Jesus. This suggests that gratitude—and faith—can often come from unexpected places, emphasizing that faith may not be about where you come from but about where you’re going! The symbolism here is rich, highlighting Jesus' role as a reconciler, uniting cultures and communities through healing.