JESUS MEETS A MAN WITH LEPROSY

Passage: Matthew 8:1~4  

Key verse: 3


1. Lord, if you are willing...(1-2)

Crowds of people pushed and pressed one another to get close to Jesus. But when the man with leprosy came near, the crowds melted. No one wanted to be near him. This man believed that Jesus had power to cleanse him of his putrid, life-destroying disease. He was not sure, however, that Jesus would accept him--for no one else did. But he overcame his doubts and the hostile glares of the crowd, and knelt before Jesus. 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'

2. Jesus said, 'I am willing' (3-4)

Jesus reached out his hand and touched him and said, 'Be clean.' Jesus did not shrink back from touching him. Jesus' loving touch cut through all the rules. It broke through his loneliness. He was healed. Jesus sent him to the priest to make a thanksgiving offering and to be certified as clean. He could go back to his home and family a new man, and live a life based on God's grace. Jesus' touch of love brings forgiveness, cleansing and restoration.


Prayer: Lord, you touched and cleansed me. Help me to share your love with others who need your touch.

One Word: Jesus is willing