I AM WILLING... BE CLEAN!

Passage: Luke 5:12-16

Key verse: 5:13

NIV

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy(A)

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a](B) When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone,(C) but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded(D) for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

15 Yet the news about him spread all the more,(E) so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.(F)

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 5:12 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

12 While he was in one of the cities, (A)there came a man full of leprosy.[a] And when he saw Jesus, he (B)fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, (C)if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus[b] stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him (D)to tell no one, but “go and show (E)yourself to the priest, and (F)make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, (G)for a proof to them.” 15 (H)But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But (I)he would withdraw to desolate places and (J)pray.

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 5:12 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
  2. Luke 5:13 Greek he
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

First, 'If you are willing...' (12-13). A man covered with leprosy approached Jesus. Lepers were considered cursed by God. The law forbade them from normal social life. But this man wanted to be healed so much he boldly came to Jesus with his prayer request. However, he wasn't sure if Jesus was willing. He suffered from an extremely low self-esteem and he doubted God's love. Sin is like leprosy; it disfigures a man spiritually and makes him a social outcast. Second, Jesus is willing (14). Without hesitation, Jesus touched the man. He said, 'I am willing... Be clean!' Jesus is the Messiah who is full of mercy, grace and power to heal us. He is willing to answer our prayers. Third, immediately the leprosy was cured (15-16). When Jesus touched the man and spoke, his word was the very word of God that created heaven and earth. Immediately, the man was cured. Jesus told him to go to the priest for confirmation of healing but instead he spoke about Jesus to everyone. Although he was cured of leprosy, he needed to accept Jesus' word as the authority of his life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe you are willing to heal me of all my diseases and forgive all my sins. Make me a new creation by the power of your word.

One Word: Jesus is willing