Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” [Matthew 8:3-4 NLT]
There is something moving and heroic about people who touch the untouchables.
I think that leprosy was the AIDS/HIV disease of Jesus' day.
The disease carried a stigma and people avoided lepers because they were contagious.
Interesting that Jesus does not question the leper about how he contracted the disease.
Neither did he cast innuendo on the man's character or lifestyle.
He replied to the leper's request to be healed with a simple “I am willing”.
There is something so amazing and awe-inspiring about this act.
How can a man just speak to a disease and instantly heal it?
Again, the simplicity of the words "Be healed" are almost underwhelming.
If it were me, I would have made quite the spectacle of the healing.
In contrast the humility of Christ shines as he tells the leper not to advertise the miracle.
Jesus' response to this leper teaches me so much about the heart of God and real ministry.
Also interesting to note is that Jesus spoke a word of healing to an individual not a group.
His ministry was always personal and his compassion was focused on one hurting person.
Another example to me about nature and character of God and of ministry.
Lord, wash the pride out me. Help my words to be simple. Lead me to embrace those deemed by society to be untouchable, without hope and broken beyond repair.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
Oh that we would!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful passage. During our VBS I took on the role of Nurse Lydia of a leper colony to help the children unstand the stories in the Bible of Jesus healing leprosy.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Father Damian in Hawaii and the Leper Colonies is so remarkable.