Lk.5:12-14 – – And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.”
This is probably one of the very first miracles that Jesus performed. As we reflect on this powerful healing we can see some things that may help us receive our miracle. The first thing that stands out to me is how Luke the physician described this man’s plight. Luke said he was full of leprosy. This indicates that this sickness had advanced and was in its last phase, death would have come soon. What does this teach us? Sin has taken its toll on all of us and we are in advanced stages of destruction. We need a miracle and we need it now. Next I notice how this man became engaged in this miracle work of God, He saw Jesus. That’s where it always starts. One glimpse of His goodness and we are drawn completely to Him. This man’s response is what happens to anyone who sees Jesus with more than a casual glance; he fell on his face recognizing Who it was standing right before him. The next thing we can glean from this miracle is what happened next, this leper began to pour out his need before the Lord. He knew this was his moment and he was calling for his miracle right now. But notice the way this man prayed, “If you are willing”. This poor leper had not yet recognized just how much he was loved by the Lord. What was the Lord’s response? “ I am willing”. Of course He was, He loved this man and wanted to see him made whole. So what did Jesus do? He touched Him. This is God’s love in action, His touch communicates everything we need. It’s His touch of compassion and at the same time His power that cleanses and makes whole. In a moment of time the leprosy left him. This last part is powerful, “Go show yourself to the priests.” Jesus would be the sacrifice after Calvary and this step will no longer be necessary. Instead we can go to our High Priest by faith in His blood, show ourselves to Him and be made totally whole.
