Unlimited: Jesus Is Willing | Good News Unlimited
Unlimited: Jesus is Willing
Feb 15, 2024 1592
A man with leprosycame to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant.He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed (Mark 1:40–42, NIV).
What was Jesus’ reason for healing and blessing those in need? Mark gives us an important insight.
When Jesus saw the man, he was “filled with compassion.” Jesus felt compassion for this man in the strongest, most passionate sense.
In Jesus’ day, because of poor hygiene, leprosy was much more widespread than it is today.
Leprosy was a horrific disease. Over the years, the extremities of people with leprosy like their fingers, toes, noses, and ears would rot and fall off. And the smell was awful.
But Jesus has no fear of leprosy. He reaches out and touches this man–probably the first time he has felt the touch of another person for years–and he heals him.
The man falls on his knees to Jesus and says, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” He knows that all he needs to be healed is for Jesus to want to heal him, and he is ready to receive the blessing.
There are many people who want to receive God’s blessing, but they don’t receive it because they don’t really believe that God actually wants to bless them. They think they haven’t done enough to deserve it, or that they’re unworthy. But Jesus comes near to you and does not run away.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: Are you ready to do what this man did, to fall on your knees before Jesus, and just accept his blessing? Are you willing to let him touch the most disgusting part of your life: your own leprosy of sin?
