In Matthew 8:2-3 we read about the leper who came before Jesus to ask for healing, which Jesus did. When I read it this morning, I stopped and pondered it some. Something struck me that I’ll expand upon here. First let’s look at the verse itself.
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “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.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. -Matthew 8:2-3
Let’s look at what the leper said.
Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean.
There was no question on whether Jesus could heal him. That was never in doubt in the leper’s mind. He knew for a fact that Jesus could heal. The only thing that remained in question, was whether Jesus was willing.
Why did the leper feel this way? Why was there no doubt of the ability of Jesus to heal? I’m sure Jesus’ reputation preceded him. The leper probably heard of the many miracles Jesus had performed, many of which were undoubtedly not recorded in scripture. The leper may have even watched from a distance when Jesus performed his miracles. Perhaps he just heard it through others. But in some way he was convinced that Jesus could heal him…it was just a matter of if he would.
Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said, “be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Of course Jesus is willing. He is a God that heals. It may not always be in the manner we want or expect or in the time frame we are hoping for, but God is always willing and able. We just need to kneel at the feet of Jesus and ask.
Exceptional Christian 