Jesus' reputation for being able to heal the sick and demon-possessed had spread like wildfire. So, it was little wonder someone suffering from the terrible pain of leprosy would want to receive healing from Jesus.
Leprosy was a horrible disease, and in a time when medical science was not as advanced as today, it was like a death
sentence. It would begin with having an unexplainable experience of fatigue. Then came aches and pains in the joints. Ulcers would start appearing on the cheeks, nose, lips and forehead. Eventually, the face would become disfigured, filling those around the leper with fear at what they saw.
Of course, the leper would know how unpleasant they looked. The ulcers would eventually spread to their hands and feet, muscles contract, and
tendons waste away. Some lepers even lost all or part of their limbs. Discharge that leaked from the ulcers would emit a dreadful odour. There was no way to hide this frightening decay. In later progression, it sometimes affected the nerves to the point the person did not even know when they were hurting themselves.
Eventually, the pain and suffering would lead to mental decay, coma and ultimately death. We do not know how
advanced this particular man’s leprosy was, but what is apparent is that he knew in his heart that Jesus could heal him, and he came to Jesus looking for help.
What is striking in this passage is how he came to look for that help. He comes openly, expectantly, yet humbly.
You may want to try to picture the story as it unfolds: No one came to plead the leper’s cause on his
behalf. He came of his own accord to plead his case. With probably a great deal of physical discomfort, he slowly lowered his aching body to kneel before Jesus in a posture of deep respect. You can almost feel the crowd tense. Some may gasp in horror. The man would be aware he is not welcome here.
Then slowly, perhaps with a quiet voice, he doesn’t demand but begs Jesus to help. There is no sense of entitlement in this approach at all.
He does not assume that Jesus would want to heal him. He knows he is in a vulnerable space and even acknowledges that Jesus has a choice. Listen as this weak, weary man speaks to Jesus. You hear his words, “If you are willing, you can make me clean”. Stay with that scene for a while.
What does this challenge us to consider about the way we approach God or Jesus in prayer? Do we sometimes assume we will get what we ask if it
seems reasonable? Do we, as faithful Christians, feel entitled to God's blessing?
Do we ever consider how God or Jesus feels about giving us what we ask? What else might this passage be saying to you about your approach to prayer or the strength of your faith in asking?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
