“I am willing! Be cleansed!”

 

“And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”” (Mark 1:40)

Estranged. Avoided. Unseen. Unclean. For the leper, the problem was leprosy. This was a disease of the skin that made one ceremonially unclean under the law of Moses. Lepers could not be touched by anyone, because if they were, the person who touched them would also become unclean. Just think for a minute how difficult the life of the leper would have been. No physical contact with other people! How immeasurable the pain for the heart that longs for love; longs for intimacy, yet does not receive it. And how deep the ache of the soul that longs to be touched, longs to be held, and longs to be known; yet is not known. 

Nowadays, the people around us don’t suffer from leprosy (for the most part). But the same internal problem still plagues many: it’s shame. Shame on account of who they are. Perhaps it’s some physical or mental limitation that’s been with someone from birth. Perhaps it’s the result of something that has happened to them or been spoken over them. Perhaps the shame is merely their own devaluing of themselves. Or perhaps, the shame is a result of their own decisions — of things that they’ve done or continue to do. 

For our neighbors held in shame, there comes a point of despair, where they lose hope. When it’s no longer a matter of wanting what’s good, but simply a matter of wanting to make it through another day alive. Because after so many times of reaching out and expecting things of others, to no avail, what’s the point? What goodness is there for the leper to hope for? 

But then something happens. More specifically, some One happens. A Man comes and teaches multitudes with authority. He speaks with conviction that is unheard of! And this Man accompanies His teachings with incredible miraculous signs! He heals the sick. He casts out demons. And those demons cower in fear before Him, acknowledging Him as the Son of God! 

In hearing the news about this Man, you as the unclean one feel something deep within. A sensation long forgotten: hope! “Could this be the answer I have longed for all my life?” After all, this Man seems like He can do anything! But the more pertinent question is not whether He can heal — but whether He will heal! Will He heal you? Will He want anything to do with you? Or will He reject you, as all the others have before? Why wouldn’t He reject you after all you have done? 

All of these thoughts and doubts might have run through the leper’s mind, but with little to lose, he falls before Jesus and says, “If you will, you can make me clean.” The leper has no money to offer Jesus. He has no good works to boast in or anything that would merit Christ’s goodwill. The only thing the leper is banking on is Jesus’ mercy. 

And what does Jesus do? Whereas many public figures before Him had come about to make a name for themselves, Jesus had a different agenda: people. And he came for people just like this lowly leper. 

“Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.” (Mark 1:41-42)

Instinctively, we are amazed that Jesus miraculously caused leprosy to disappear. But we miss the more miraculous part: Jesus actually touched this man! And He didn’t need to! He could have simply spoken and the miracle would have taken place. But He chose to touch the untouchable! And He wasn’t ashamed to do so. In doing this, He didn’t merely show kindness. He showed that He loved that man dearly. That man was seen by Jesus. That man was wanted by Jesus. It’s one thing to be respected. It’s one thing to be shown kindness. It’s another thing to actually be wanted! When others saw “unclean”, Jesus saw His harvest. And His harvest was for this soul to be reunited to the love of His Father. 

And so my prayer in reflecting upon this passage is that you and I adopt the heart of Christ. My desire is that those wrapped in shame may feel seen by me. That they may feel wanted by me. I don’t want to stay in my comfort zone when there is a need that I can meet. So let’s remember to reach out, check up on people, smile, offer a helping hand, give aid, and be available to those in need. Because people today are still asking the same questions of you and me that leper might have had:

“I know these Christians can love me. I know these Christians can care for me. I know these Christian can be my friends. But will they?”

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27)