Luke 5-6

October 29

Luke 5-6

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection that leads to skin lesions and can affect the nervous system leading to the loss of extremities due to secondary infection. Though the physical attributes of leprosy are difficult, the social stigma would have been even worse. For the protection of the community, people with leprosy were quarantined outside of the city. They could not touch anyone and had to cry out; “unclean” when people approached them.

When this leper saw Jesus, he saw his only hope. He fell on his face before Jesus, showing great respect and humility before Him. He begged Jesus knowing that Jesus had the power to heal him if He was willing. Jesus reached out and touched the man. Perhaps it was the first time he had been touched in many years. Perhaps he wondered if he would ever be touched again. Jesus reached out and touched him and said; “I am willing.” Jesus said; “be clean” and the man was cured of his leprosy.

We may not be infected with leprosy, but we have all been infected with sin. There are a lot of prayers that we can pray and close with; “your will be done.” It is like saying; “if you are willing.” But there is one prayer that we can know God is willing to answer. When we pray; “Lord make me clean.” He will make us clean. If we confess, He will purify. If we turn from our sin and turn to God, He will hear from heaven and will cleanse us of our sin.

Sin is worse than leprosy. It destroys lives. It distorts our minds. It drives us away from those who have our best interest in mind. But if we will come to Jesus and humble ourselves, he is willing and will restore us in relationship with Him and with other people.