When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “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!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
--Parallel verses:
Luke 22:41-42
[Jesus speaking]
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
We find here a leper who approaches Jesus. He takes a risk, as many would tell him to get away and leave them alone. Lepers were considered to be unclean.
For much of his life, in all likelihood, though he knew in his heart that his leprosy was not his own fault, he also knew his sin. Maybe his sin was anger in response to being rejected. Maybe bitterness or despair. Whatever his sins were, he was wanting the Savior to make him clean, inside and out.
He had no doubt. He simply was bold in his plea for help, and humble. He submitted to the will of God. And with this submission, he modeled a reverence for God, combined with a very stout faith indeed!
What risks is God asking me to take? How can I be bold in my approach to him, yet humble in my submission to his will?
This passage reminds me of how Jesus approached God in the Garden of Gethsemene. He pleaded with God to take away the suffering in the future. Yet he submitted to his will.
The leper was healed. Jesus was crucified. Each submitted to the will of God. And each was rewarded. The leper was cleansed of his leprosy. Jesus was exalted to the highest place, at the right hand of God. And he was granted dominion over all things.
When I follow God’s will, God will not disappoint in his reward!
Lord, thank you for this passage highlighting an incredible boldness and submission to your will. Thank you for this broken and fully surrendered leper. May I follow his lead and the lead of Jesus in submitting to your will.
