While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “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!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
In Jewish society, leprosy was considered an unclean disease and lepers were to live outside the city. They did not touch lepers or come close to them. Imagine living your life this way-no hugs, no close contact, an outcast. No promise of employment or vacations with family, etc. Maybe we now understand why this man would fall at Jesus’ feet and beg him for healing. His hopes and dreams for a fulfilling life lay at Jesus’ feet. And the crazy thing is … so do mine (and yours). “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
So what can we do about this wicked, nasty disease we call sin? We can fall at Jesus’ feet, call him Lord, and ask for him to heal us.
I think this is such an important step we take in life, it is taken in two ways: once, when we turn the direction of our life over to Jesus and we follow him. And also, each day, when we remind ourselves who is on the throne of our lives, and ask for forgiveness for our sins (both commission and omission sins). We find that news about Jesus spread far and wide. This is not surprising, as good news is like a wildfire — it spreads! And he healed many.
Lord, I am so grateful for your saving grace. I was like the outcast leper who came to you, and you healed me of my dependence on sin. Praise your name! Help me to tell others about your saving grace all day long.