According to the law of Moses, a person with leprosy was considered unclean, and unaffected people who came in contact with lepers became unclean as well. People with leprosy were forced to live in isolation, or in colonies with other lepers, completely isolated from the rest of the population. They were humiliated and lonely! Because of this, it took extreme courage and humility from the leper to go out in public and approach Jesus. Knowing the social stigma that surrounded touching a diseased person, Jesus reached out to touch and heal him, which should have degraded Him in the eyes of society. But instead of the touch defiling Jesus, it purified the man with leprosy!

The leper was fully aware of the condition that was destroying his body and separating him from society. He had to humble himself to step out in public, where he would be avoided, and to approach Jesus in full faith, knowing that he could be healed. I know far too well that I often lack the humility and faith of this man. Many days, I believe that I’m doing juuuuust fine, and can go through school, work, and relationships without the help of the Savior. In reality, the opposite is true. My self-righteousness just drives me further from the truth and allows the disease of sin to grow more in me! Lucky for me, He wants to save me from my selfishness, and allow me to draw nearer to Him. Jesus is willing to cleanse me, you, and everyone(!!) if we approach him in faith that he can heal and save us.