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.
Matthew 8:1-3 NIV
After Jesus descended from the mountain, multitudes gathered around Him for different reasons. Perhaps the majority were eager to hear His words. Yet, amid this great crowd, a lone man—a leper—approached Him. This man was an outcast, deemed unclean by society, but he did not allow his condition to stop him from seeking Jesus. He had a simple but profound desire. He longed for healing. However, the heart of Jesus also reached out to the man.
This encounter reveals an essential truth about Jesus’ love. He is not only concerned with large crowds but also deeply interested in individuals. Though multitudes surrounded Him, He saw the one man who stepped forward in faith. This teaches us that if we personally approach Jesus, He is always ready to receive us. His love is not just for the masses; it is for each person, including you.
The leper’s request was filled with humility and faith. “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He recognised Jesus’ power but left the decision to Him. His words reflected trust, not entitlement. In response, Jesus did something extraordinary—He reached out and touched the man. This was significant because lepers were considered untouchable. Yet, Jesus broke societal barriers, demonstrating that no one is too unclean, too broken, or too far gone for His touch.
Jesus’ response was immediate and reassuring: “I am willing. Be clean!” With those words, the man was instantly healed. This is the heart of Christ—He is willing. He desires to restore, cleanse, and make whole. If He was willing to touch a leper, how much more is He willing to touch the wounded, the rejected, and the lost today?
Perhaps you feel too damaged, too sinful, or too unworthy to come to Jesus. Maybe the world has written you off, just as society had cast out this leper. But Jesus’ willingness has not changed. He came to seek and save the lost, to heal the sick, and to cleanse those who feel unworthy. He is saying to you today, “I am willing.”
So, why are you hesitating? Why are you running from the very One who can heal and restore you? Jesus Himself said, “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37 NIV). If He will not reject you, why reject Him? Come to Him today—He is waiting, willing, and able to make you whole.
In conclusion, the story of the leper reminds us of Jesus’ heart of compassion. He does not turn away those who seek Him. He is willing to cleanse, heal, and restore all who come to Him in faith. No matter how unworthy you feel, His arms are open. He is not only able but also willing. Will you respond to His invitation today?