Matthew 8:2-3
And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
This small section in the life of Jesus shows us his incredible heart of compassion. A leper was considered unclean and as such could not participate with the larger society. Can you imagine the thoughts of those who were following Jesus as this man approached. Surely if someone is not worthy to talk with God, it would be this leper.
Yet Jesus lets him come and heals him.
The leper shows his faith in that he acknowledged the power of Jesus as soon as he approaches. He understands that God is able to do anything, even cure an incurable disease. He does not know if Jesus was willing to cleanse him.
Yet Jesus lets him come and heals him.
Jesus also saves the Samaritan woman, a culture rejected by God's people, the Jews. He heals a Roman centurion's servant, he makes the blind see and the lame walk. He gives salvation to the prostitutes and tax collectors. He associates with those who were the outcasts of society and proves that salvation is available to all.
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his stripes we are healed. - Isaiah 53:4-5.
Jesus lets him come and heals him.
Jesus lets me come and heals me.
If the leper can be cleansed, what is it that you feel separates you from the love of God? Whatever it may be, Jesus lets you come and heals you.
Be clean.
Peace,
Jeff Moody
jeffmoody82@gmail.com
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