Definition: And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where [are] the nine?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 17:17. It's a really important and slightly unsettling part of the story. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is traveling with his disciples when he encounters a group of people being cleansed (being washed or purified). There are ten people being cleansed, but nine are missing. What it Suggests - A Focus on Discipleship & Lack of Fullness This verse isn’t about a simple mistake or a forgotten person. It’s a powerful message about the completeness of God’s grace and the importance of complete discipleship. Here's what it points to: God’s Grace is Complete: Jesus is saying that God’s grace – his love, forgiveness, and mercy – isn’t enough. It’s not a one-time blessing; it needs to be fully applied to everyone. The Nine Missing People Represent Those Who Aren't Fully Believers: The missing nine people symbolize those who haven't fully received God's grace or are not fully committed to following Jesus. They aren't completely cleansed, but they’re not fully part of the group either. A Call to More: Jesus is emphasizing that there’s more work to be done. He isn’t satisfied with just ten people cleansed; he needs all the people to be cleansed and ready for a full life in Christ. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re baking a cake. You only have 10 ingredients (the cleansed people). But, you need 9 more ingredients (those who are not fully ready) to complete the cake. You can't just bake one cake – you need several! In essence, Luke 17:17 is a reminder that God’s grace is boundless and that we should always strive for complete understanding and commitment to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this verse in a specific context (like the story of Jesus' journey)?