Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Jesus Heals The Leper

Picture this scene. You are plagued with a disease that literally makes you an outcast in your society. You can't live with your loved ones or family. You have to camp outside of town, living a life that is isolated, lonely, and "unclean". Then one day, you hear of a teacher who has the ability to heal people. You think, "What do I have to lose? It's already a 'no' if I don't go." So you head to where the crowd is gathering, hoping you can have an audience with this man. If anyone can heal you, maybe He can!

You see an opening in the crowd. It could be them parting ways because they don't want to be near you. Whatever the case, now is your chance. You kneel before this man called Jesus and say, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." You really believe He can do this for you.

Then something miraculous happens. Something that hasn't happened in years. The man reaches out His hand and touches you. This act of kindness and fearlessness shocks you. Just touching you would make this man ceremoniously unclean in the synagogue, but He touches you anyway. He says, "I am willing." And then He says, "Be cleaned."

At that instance, the lesions and sores you had on your body disappear. You feel it from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes. You are healed!

Questions:

1. How would your approach to Jesus change if you came to Him believing He was both able and willing to heal you?
2. What fears or social barriers might keep you from asking Jesus for the healing you need?
3. Why do you think Jesus chose to touch the man before speaking the words of healing?