Those with Leprosy Are Cleansed

Welcome back to Day 4! Over the past few days, we’ve explored how Jesus’s actions revealed who He is and what He came to do. From restoring sight to enabling the lame to walk, Jesus has shown His compassion and authority. Today, we’ll focus on another of His profound actions: healing a man with leprosy. Though the story is brief, it’s filled with meaning, challenging both the cultural norms of the time and our own perspectives.

Reminder: Take time to read today’s passage on your own or with a friend. Then, when you catch up this week—whether in person or on a call—share what stood out, reflect on your insights, and discuss how it connects to your life. Keep the conversation going!

Leprosy in ancient Jewish culture was devastating, both physically and socially. Seen as a punishment for sin, those afflicted were ostracised, forced to live outside of society, and considered “unclean,” making them untouchable. The disease isolated them from friends, family, and even worship, leaving them with no hope of restoration. This man, desperate and with nowhere else to turn, approaches Jesus—a risky act of faith, given the stigma surrounding his condition.

Imagine being part of the crowd watching this interaction play out. The man’s presence would have likely caused fear and outrage, with people shouting or backing away. Yet, Jesus’s response is astounding. Instead of recoiling or condemning him, Jesus is filled with compassion. The original Greek text even suggests Jesus was angry—not at the man, but at the suffering and alienation he had endured. Jesus steps forward, touches him—a radical act of acceptance—and declares him healed.

This touch is more than an act of healing; it’s a statement. For the man, it’s likely the first human contact he’s experienced in years, a powerful affirmation of his worth and dignity. For the witnesses, it’s a shocking demonstration of Jesus’s authority and a challenge to their beliefs about sin, purity, and God’s view of the afflicted. By healing the man, Jesus restores his health, community, and relationship with God, embodying the very heart of His mission.

This story wasn’t just about physical restoration—it was about overturning societal norms and revealing God’s love for those deemed untouchable. Jesus’s actions invite us to reconsider our own views: How do we treat those society marginalises? What does this story reveal about Jesus’s mission and character?

Reflection Questions

1. What do Jesus’s actions reveal to you about His mission and God’s view of the afflicted?
2. How does this story challenge your own worldview?
3. Have you faced challenges or situations where you felt there was no help? How might this story speak to those moments?

Thanks for joining today! See you tomorrow for Day 5, the final day of this journey.