In Matthew 8:1-4 we get this story,
“8 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
I am struck by the simplicity and brevity of this story. A man is suffering. He meets Christ and asks for a miracle. He knows the condition of Jesus granting his request is determined by the willingness of Christ to make him clean. Not only was Jesus willing to make this leper clean, he did it by touching the man. Jesus connected with him in a very real and present way. His disease didn’t deter Jesus because not only did Jesus have the power to heal this man, Jesus also had the willingness to make the man whole again.
What is great about that is the same is true for us. Too many people have been taught a false notion of works righteousness…the “you can never be good enough” kind of Gospel. This story flies right in the face of that false version of Jesus and tells us loud and clear Jesus is willing to make you clean. Don’t doubt it for a second. He doesn’t do it from afar…from some detached heavenly throne…he connects with us in a very real, personal, and present way. Jesus is willing! Praise God!
