Jesus Heals Man with Leprosy

Bible Study Lesson from Luke 5:12-16

13 And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 And He ordered him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

15 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.

16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Jesus Heals the Leper - And Forgives

The Leprosy Healing

In today's times, we are faced with many dread diseases like cancer, diabetes, AIDS and numerous others and, some have limited or no cure in sight. This is what the people of Jesus' time dealt with when it came to leprosy.

What is Leprosy?

This is an awful disease that affects the skin - sometimes contagious and so the person who possessed it was feared by the people. There is more information at the NIAID Gov. site under leprosy. Now, back to the lesson.

The person with leprosy was considered unclean and virtually became an outcast among his people, having to keep a safe distance from others, having to beg for food to avoid starvation. In other words, it was a miserable existence.

Approaching Jesus

Although the man most likely had an advanced case of leprosy and probably looked hideous because of loss of skin tissue, he could still come to Christ. He believed that Jesus could heal him so threw himself at Jesus' feet showing a leap of faith. He asked Jesus; "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." The Lord was willing and healed the leper.

Healing Our "Disease"

We also suffer from separation just as the leper was. Our separation from God is called sin. The great news is, just as Christ healed the leper of his ailment, He is willing to heal us of our sin through forgiveness. All we have to do is believe and ask. Take time today to bow in prayer and ask Christ for forgiveness - I'll do the same.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Luke 4:14 - Nazareth Rejects Jesus