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Luke 5:12-13, While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately, the leprosy left him.

This is such a wonderful text.  There is a leper who comes up to Jesus and says, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  First, notice the words the leper uses.  He calls Jesus “Lord,” recognizing who he is more than evem the disciples at this point.  He also says “if you are willing,” indicating that this man knows that Jesus has tremendous power.  He knows that Jesus has the power to heal.  Others are questioning Jesus right and left, but this man, who lives on the fringe of society, knows who he is and what that means.

One of the best parts of this story for me is how Jesus reaches out and touches the man.  Jesus didn’t need to touch him.  Jesus could have spoken the words and the man would have been healed.  After all, it was against Jewish law to touch a person with leprosy, as they were considered unclean.  The Jews also believed that someone who contracted leprosy must have committed some sin that led to their disease.  Thus, there was little compassion toward those who were afflicted with it. 

Regardless, Jesus touches the man.  Jesus knew the law, he knew the theological view about the illness, and he knew that people would be watching him.  And yet, Jesus reaches out and touches him.  As soon as he does, the leprosy leaves the man.  He is healed.  He is clean.  He is forever changed. 

In God’s Kingdom, compassion always outweighs fear.  Jesus knew that by touching the man he would break a law, but to Jesus, there was so much more at stake.  Can you imagine how long it had been since that man had been touched with kindness and warmth?  In God’s Kingdom, every life has value, even those who live on the fringes, even those with undesirable skin diseases.  Every single person is valuable to God.  And it goes without saying, Leprosy is not punishment for sin but a product of living in a broken world.  Jesus gives us such a beautiful picture of the love and compassion of God. 

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help me see others as you see them.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.