The Message Behind the Miracle

The leper saw Jesus in the crowd, and he shuffled as fast as he could, moving toward Him. Where he had his focus was critical. He had to look away from his pain, the open sores and putrid smell. He looked away from unanswered prayers and his discouragement. He set those things aside. Ever since he heard from others that compassion and power flowed through Jesus, it gave him hope. He tried not to think of his own unworthiness as an unclean person. When he reached Jesus, he dropped to his knees. His body language showed his heart of humility and his worship of Jesus. He called Him Lord. He said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched the leper. It is significant that Jesus touched this man before He healed him. That touch spoke loud and clear to this man's heart! It didn't matter if others rejected him, Jesus did not! Jesus said to him, "I am willing, be cleansed." As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy began to leave him, and he was cleansed!