Jesus showing mercy

It has been confirmed that leprosy (“lepra” in Greek) in biblical times referred to a range of skin diseases and was different from what is now known as Hansen’s disease. While it can be translated as “serious skin disease,” for now, we will refer to it as “lepra.” At that time, those with lepra were isolated from general society and were commanded to cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” as they walked along the road (ref. Levi. 13:45-46). Truly, lepra was a disease that brought physical, social, and emotional suffering. One man afflicted with lepra fell on his face before Jesus and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean” (v 12). He believed in Jesus’ power, but he was not certain whether someone like himself would be shown mercy. Luke carefully records Jesus’ response as follows: “And He reached out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately the leprosy left him” (v 13). Other than the fellow lepra patients, Jesus was likely the only person who had touched them in a long time. That act spoke more eloquently than a thousand-word, conveying the heart of Jesus. He said, “I am willing; be cleansed.” In that very moment, both his body and soul were healed. Let us also gratefully receive the words of Jesus: “I am willing; be cleansed.”

Jesus withdraws to the wilderness

Jesus commanded that no one speak about this healing. He likely feared that the people would try to exalt Him as a political Messiah. However, contrary to His intent, news about Jesus spread all the more, and crowds with various needs flocked to Him. Here, Luke inserts the following sentence: “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (v 16). Jesus bore many burdens such as serving the crowds pressing in for help, the unspoken pressure to become a political Messiah, and training disciples who were spiritually immature. What mattered most to Him was to seek the will of the Father and to constantly clarify His priorities. Do you, even in your busyness, habitually withdraw to the wilderness (a space for prayer) to seek direction from the Father? The busier you are, the more you need prayer.