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“LORD, IF YOU ARE WILLING…”



 

From Capernaum, Jesus “went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons” (Mark 1:39).

 

On one such missionary journey, “a man full of leprosy” (Luke 5:12, ESV) approached Jesus. He was “full of leprosy” … he was covered … the leprosy was in its final stages … he was dying …

 

The leper “came to him and, on his knees, begged him, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean’ ” (Mark 1:40). Apparently, he had heard about the Messiah’s many miracles in Capernaum. He believed! He had faith! He trusted Jesus! He could be healed! “If you are willing.”

 

If Peter was present, I suspect that he stepped back, putting distance between himself and the infectious, diseased man. Was he disgusted at the sight of the man, covered with open, oozing sores, wrapped in filthy bandages? Did Peter look at the leper and think, “this guy is too far gone. There’s no hope! There’s no way Jesus can heal this guy!” Was Peter alarmed, angry, expectant? Was he doubtful or faithful?

 

Was he worried about the leper’s close proximity to Jesus?

 

Jesus was not.

 

He was “moved with compassion … Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. ‘I am willing… Be made clean’ ” (Mark 1:41).

 

“Immediately his leprosy was cleansed” (Matthew 8:3). “Immediately the leprosy left him” (Luke 5:13). “Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean” (Mark 1:42).

 

Just a gentle touch, and in the blink of an eye, the infection was gone. The sores were healed. The bandages fell away. Skin that had been blistered and broken was made clear and clean.

 

“Lord, if you are willing…”

 

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).




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