Hope in the In-Between (Luke 17:11–19)

We’ve all been there—stuck in the “in-between.” It’s that space where you don’t fully belong on either side, where life feels unsettled, divided, or even hopeless. Maybe you feel caught between jobs, between relationships, or between political and cultural battles that leave you weary. The good news? That’s exactly where Jesus shows up. In Luke 17, He steps into the borderland between Galilee and Samaria—the place no one wanted to be—and brings healing, hope, and wholeness.

As Jesus walks the borderlands, ten lepers cry out for mercy. He tells them to go show themselves to the priests—and on the way, they’re cleansed. Only one, a Samaritan, circles back to fall at Jesus’ feet in worship. Jesus says, “Your faith has made you whole.”

Here’s the heart of it: there’s a difference between being helped by Jesus and being surrendered to Jesus. Here’s something else: one can obey Jesus’ instructions and even experience some life change while still not surrendering to Jesus as Lord of one’s life. All ten were helped; one was made whole. The nine received a gift and kept moving. The one received grace and returned to the Giver. Wholeness lives on the road of surrender and worship.

Why this matters right now

Our world feels stuck in its own “in-between”—exhausting culture wars, partisan savior-thinking, and endless online arguments. But people aren’t the enemy; the real battle is unseen. The way of Jesus rarely lines up with any tribe or trend. He calls us to adopt a posture of love, resist foolish arguments, and step toward the margins with mercy, not shame.

Hope, Healing, Purpose in the in-between

• Hope: Jesus comes to the overlooked places and hears the voices others tune out. If you feel forgotten, there’s a God who walks dusty borders just to find you.
• Healing: Obedience opens space for healing. “As they went, they were cleansed.” Start walking on the word you already have—often the change begins while your feet are still moving.
• Purpose: Worship reorients our purpose. The Samaritan’s return wasn’t detour; it was discipleship. Surrender to Jesus doesn’t shrink your life—it makes you whole.

Simple ways to practice this week

• Reach out: Find one “in-between” person and check in—listen, pray, and encourage.
• Choose mercy: Replace one shaming word or post with an act of kindness.
• Pause & pray: Skip one news cycle and use that time to pray for someone on “the other side.”
• Stay alert: Each morning, ask, “Holy Spirit, who do You want me to notice today?”—then act on it.

Questions for reflection / next steps

• Where do you feel “in-between” right now, and what’s one step of obedience you can take?
• Are you just being helped by Jesus, or fully surrendered to Him?
• Who near you feels “in-between,” and how can you serve them this week?
• What argument or cultural fight do you need to release so you can walk in love?

A prayer

Jesus, thank You for meeting us in the in-between.

You hear our cries and give us a word we can walk on.

Teach us to return to You—not just for help, but in full surrender.

Fill us with mercy in a divided world.

Heal what’s broken in us, and shape us to look more like You,

so others can find hope, healing, and purpose through our lives.

Amen.