Lk.5:12,13 – While He was in one of the cities, behold, there was a man covered with leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” And He reached out with His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him.
I love the tenderness of the Lord displayed in this passage. This poor leper had been an outcaste possibly for many years. One of the tragedies of leprosy at this time was not being allowed social interaction. In our world it would be like having a permanent contagious situation that required you to stay in isolation (think Covid). The powers that be would enforce the law that required isolation leaving the individual in a horrible situation. For Jesus to place His hand on this leper was life changing in more ways than one. He felt the love of a fellow human, he felt the love of God in the touch, and He received his healing. This leper could never be the same, He had been permanently changed by God’s love. Here is Matthew Henry’s thought on this passage.
“What we may expect from Christ if we turn to him in this way. We will find him very eager to notice our situation: He put forth his hand and touched him. His touching the leper showed his wonderful condescension, but it is much greater to us when he is himself touched with the feeling of our infirmities. We will find him very compassionate and ready to relieve us; he said, “I will. Whoever comes to me to be healed, I will in no wise cast him out.” We will find him all-sufficient, able to heal and cleanse us even though we are full of this loathsome leprosy. One word, one touch, from Christ did the work: Immediately the leprosy departed from him.”
Today the Lord wants to put His hand on you. When He does you too will be changed by love. He will cleanse you of all your sin, He will heal your broken heart, and if you are sick and suffering His healing power will begin to bring recovery. This leper’s world was totally changed. Instead of suffering alone in isolation he was now walking in the light of God’s love. This can be your story too, the touch of God changes everything.
