We all know the story of when Jesus cleanses a leper, but I think it's super easy to overlook a lot in well-known passages. See if you understand what I mean.
In Matthew 8, an unnamed man, only known by what makes him imperfect, meets Jesus. THE Jesus. I imagine this unnamed man's every thought and action are moved by the impression that he is nothing more than his disease. All he can think about is his filth. He is too desperate to search for an annecdote. Everyone gave up on him--even himself.
And then word spread about a Man in town. A tiny flicker, a deep-set warmth that surprises him arises in his belly. Hope. It's a new feeling. A good feeling. So he pursues it.
And he finds It.
"[That] leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.'"
This nameless man had absolutely nothing to offer Christ. At most, he could give Him his filth. He bowed in despair and a weak thread of hope held him together. "Oh, Lord, even if You're willing, YOU can do something."
Now comes the good part...
The Bible doesn't record Jesus's feelings, but can you imagine what they might be? Did He gently tilt His head, let His lips curl up into a smile, and think, "Oh, My child...I am so willing. You're finally Mine..."
How do you fit in this story? Are you like the unnamed, unnoticed, unrecognized leper? Our Jesus knows your name.
Are you like the nameless leper in that you are disabled by your sin? Our Jesus is the Great Healer.
Are you like the unnamed leper because only that weak thread of hope is holding you together? Our Jesus is the Maker of strength.
No matter the sickness; no matter the sin; no matter the despair, our Jesus IS the remedy and He IS willing.
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