Matthew 8:1-4
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.” Matthew 8:1-4 (NIV)
In biblical times, leprosy (or any severe chronic skin disease) was seen as the consequence of a sinful life. A leper was considered physically unclean—and contagious—as well as spiritually unclean. The leper couldn’t hold a job, couldn’t live in a home with non-lepers (including his or her own family), couldn’t shop in a market, couldn’t own property, couldn’t touch or hug or hold hands with another person. Nothing. The leper’s only option was begging for scraps, isolation, and waiting to physically deteriorate and die.
In “The Chosen” (Season 1, Episode 6) Jesus meets the leper in our bible verse. The reaction of the disciples reveals the attitude of that time. They begin to back away, they scream at the leper to stop and not come any closer, and John pulls a knife to threaten him.
But Jesus tells his followers to relax, it’s OK. He’s got this under control. The leper falls to his knees and pleads, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” This is his last hope. Without Jesus, he’s lost. Against all custom and common sense, Jesus reaches out, touches the leper, and says, “I am willing.”
While I don’t have the actual healing touch of Jesus (applying a Band-Aid to a “boo-boo” is about the extent of my healing capability), the power of a physical touch should not be discounted. I’ve seen it all week with the kids at Vacation Bible School: receiving a last reassuring hug from a parent, holding a child’s hand to comfort them, a pat on the shoulder to let them know it’s all OK.
That’s the Holy Spirit working through each of us to reach out and share Jesus’ love. We just need to be open to spreading that love without reservation.
Note: I’ve been watching “The Chosen” on Prime Video. It’s also available on The Chosen App and YouTube. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend you watch it. It really makes the gospel stories come alive.
Question for Reflection:
- Take some time to picture Jesus reaching out and touching you. What does that mean for you?
Prayer:
Hey God, it’s been an exciting week at VBS (and exhausting). Being part of sharing your Word with the children and adults is an awesome experience. Thanks for the volunteers, the kids, and the church staff that made it all happen. It’s a great way to start my summer. Amen.
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