Don't turn away from me!

In this episode, we meet a leprous man. He comes to Jesus because he knows Jesus can heal him.

And where everyone fearfully recoils from this leper, Jesus comes a step closer.

It is not surprising that people are afraid. Leprosy is hugely contagious. It is a disease that has many consequences. You no longer belong. You can no longer participate in life. You are literally excluded from society.

So, the leper is not surprised by the attitude of the people around him. He perhaps also expects it a little from Jesus because he begs: Lord, don't turn away from me!

The bystanders are in shock when they see what Jesus does next. He not only comes closer to the man, but He even touches him. Lord, what are you doing now? Surely, this cannot be!

In Mark, we read that Jesus is "inwardly moved with compassion" over this man. The word used in Greek is "splagchnizomai.” When Jesus sees this man's suffering, it touches Him so deeply that something tears, as it were, inside of Him.

He says, "I want it, be cleansed." And immediately, there is restoration and healing. The man is then given two commands: First, go to the priest and let him see if you are really cleansed. And second, don't tell anyone.

How difficult that last command is. There was finally someone who didn't turn away from you but came close to you. You have just been touched for the first time in years. And even more: you are healthy again. You can go back home! You can start living again.

Of course, you want to share that; you can't keep that to yourself. The man goes on his way and tells everyone who wants to hear what happened to him.

Do you need Jesus to come close to you? He wants to do that. He wants to come close. He wants to bring restoration where you need restoration.

Maybe you are afraid that Jesus will turn away from you. Maybe you don't feel worthy enough. What if He really knew you...? He does! He knows you inside out. He knows your "leprosy," even if others may not know it.

And as with the leprous man, Jesus feels compassion for you and wants to get close to you.

Will you let Him touch you?

Take the following questions to think about:

• Do you want to come closer to Jesus?
• Can Jesus come closer to you?
• Where do you need a miracle in your life?
• Like the leprous man who was healed, can't you keep your mouth shut about what Jesus has done for you?

Prayer:

"Thank you Lord for wanting to come close, for not turning away from us. Lord, I need a miracle in this situation ... [make concrete]. Will You touch me and bring restoration? In Jesus' name, Amen."

P.S. This is the last day of this reading plan. We hope it has helped you as a follower of Jesus and that you have enjoyed it, but, of course, there is much more to discover.

The materials in this reading plan come from Alongsiders, a European discipleship movement and Jesus.net.

Do you want to take the next step? Do you have a heart for discipleship and want to know how to really follow Jesus?

Click here for more reading plans and opportunities to grow in discipleship.