Read
8 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 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.”
Reflect
Jesus has just finished preaching his great sermon on Kingdom living to his disciples and as he comes down the mountain he is immediately surrounded by crowds and pressure. With people watching his every move, he is immediately placed in front of a man in a hopeless situation. Leprosy was a death sentence. The man would have been separated from community, who believed that this sickness came from a sin he had committed, and had a future of increasing pain and eventually death as his body literally crumbles away.
Jesus shows that his is willing to heal the sick and that he has the power to perform miracles. Can you imagine the feelings of this man as he encounters Jesus?
Respond
- How has the leper's life changed through his encounter?
- Where do you see yourself in this story?
- What does this teach you about Jesus?
Pause and pray
Thank you for taking the time to read the Bible together. Share your thoughts below and continue the conversation.
