The Forgotten Teachings of JesusSample

Receiving the Healing of Acceptance

To have leprosy was to be completely unaccepted by society. In fact, soon after the time of Jesus, rules were established that forbade a person from being within about six feet of someone with leprosy if the one with disease were downwind, and about one hundred and fifty feet if they were upwind. The leper was not only considered to be unclean himself, but he also posed a threat to everyone around him.

Can you imagine the surprise and concern among the disciples, then, when Jesus approaches a man with leprosy? In episode 6, the disciples are terrified and angry. John threatens violence against the man. He could make their rabbi unclean, possibly removing him from their lives permanently.

And yet, while no one else might accept this man, Jesus does and heals him of leprosy. Jesus doesn’t just see this man. He doesn’t just listen to him. He does what no one else will do: He touches him. He accepts him and thus makes him acceptable.

This man’s condition was something no one could cure. Rome might promise salvation to those who accept their empire, but nothing they offered could free this man from the stigma of his disease. The religious leaders stood ready to accept him if he could be healed, but there was nothing they could do to make that healing happen.

Jesus, however, does both. He heals him of his disease and his stigma. And in doing so, he shows us what true healing looks like. By touching this man, Jesus reminds him of who he is in the eyes of God. He is more than his disease, more than the circumstances of his life. He is loved and he has value. And once the man is free of this disease, he can finally experience being accepted by his community again.

From this moment forward, this man’s identity will forever be tied to Jesus. His past will no longer define him. Instead, his life will be defined by who Jesus has allowed him to be.

The truths found in this story are encouraging and empowering. Where you have been rejected, Jesus welcomes you. Your past does not need to continue to afflict your present or future. And while you may not have leprosy, what are you carrying around that you desperately want cleansed by Jesus?

Jesus sees you, hears you, and is willing to help. He ignores others who want to push you away and reaches out to you with compassion. He’s not afraid of your blemishes but comes to you with love and acceptance so you can experience healing and freedom.

Reflect: How accepted do I feel by God considering my past and present blemishes?

Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, thank you for seeing me and accepting me as I am. Today I humble myself before you, knowing that you can make me clean…