Day 54: Just a Touch

Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 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.”

Comments

Leviticus 13:45 specified that lepers were to cover their upper lips, avoid contact with all people and shout, “Unclean! Unclean!” to warn people away from them.

“If you are willing” was not an expression of doubt about the compassion of Jesus, but an expression of the man’s profound sense of unworthiness.

The remainder of Matthew 8 shows that physical contact was not required for Jesus to heal someone. In the case of the leper, though, the touch of Jesus brought more than physical healing.

Reflections

Who is frequently thought of as untouchable in our own world? Do you think of them the same way? Is it possible your touch could bring healing to them?

It must have taken courage and faith for this man to approach Jesus and kneel before him, even though Jesus was known for being approachable. How much courage does it take for people to approach you?

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the healing touch of those who care. Help me be ready to give and to receive that comforting contact.