Jesus is willing

Luke 5:12-13

12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.

New Living Translation

Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases of Jesus's day. Not only did it do terrible damage to the body, it also took a huge toll on a person's psychological health. A leper was unclean. They had to stay outside of the towns, and cry out in a loud voice "Unclean!" whenever there were people around. The shame, and the isolation, would surely take a huge toll on even the most secure individuals.

We don't know how long the man in this story had been suffering with the disease, but we do know that his case was an advanced one. He had most likely been sick for a very long time. As a result, he would have had almost no human contact for a long time. He was desperate.

He was also humble. I love the way he approaches Jesus. He didn't shout, or throw a tantrum. He simply bowed before Jesus, acknowledging His authority and His grace, and said, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."

His actions were full of worship, and submission. It is true that he was begging for mercy, pleading for healing. But he made no demands. He knew he had no right to insist that Jesus do anything. But He did know that Jesus was full of mercy and kindness. So knowing he had no right to anything at all, he humbled himself and asked.

And Jesus's response was so kind and gracious. He said "I am willing," and the man was healed.

No matter how sick we are today, no matter how sinful and how deep our shame is, we too can bow before Jesus and ask for mercy. And His response is the same today as it was two thousand years ago. He is willing. His love and mercy are available to us today, if we will worship Him in humility and submission.