An Untouchable

 

While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “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 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 Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:12-16 ESV).

 

In Jesus’ day, lepers were considered untouchables. Leprosy was a highly infectious skin disease. God had given strict instructions for anyone with leprosy: “When anyone has a swelling or a rash or a shiny spot on their skin that may be a defiling skin disease . . . the priest . . . shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean. . . . As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:2-3; 46). Today it is a very treatable disease if diagnosed in the early stages. Unfortunately for many who live in the poorer, more disadvantaged countries of our world, it still is devastating. Mother Teresa was one of the many caregivers to the lepers of Calcutta, India. The quote I’ve attached from her today is indicative of a deeper malady that affects many people today. It is the feeling of being “untouchable.”

 

In our reading today, the leper didn’t want to be outcast anymore. He took a risk that Jesus might take notice him and heal him from his disease. From the dusty ground, the leper uttered his prayer to the visiting Rabbi: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (v. 12). This was the faithful prayer of a desperate man looking for restoration. Jesus didn’t react as so many had done before. He moved toward the man rather than away. He reached out and touched the man. Jesus’ words “I am willing. Be clean!” set into motion a transformation from the Savior who was not repelled by the man’s untouchableness.

 

You may be one of the many today who feel alone, separated from those whom he loved. You may be one of those who feel your past has disqualified you from ever finding love or acceptance from anyone, much less God. The great good news of the Bible is that nothing you could have done, or might yet do, will bar you from being restored… except your willingness to accept God’s gift of grace through Jesus. He is always walking in your direction. Let him touch you today!