Some of my friends had tuberculosis a few years ago.  In order to prevent spreading this highly contagious disease, they had to stay in their apartment all day, every day.  They ordered groceries online with instructions for the food to be placed outside their door.  Only at night were they allowed to leave their enclosure, and then only with masks on.  The few people on the streets stared at them, then quickly dispersed.  The once social couple lost touch with humanity—real touch that it is.  They talked to friends on the phone and kept up on the news.  But to be hugged by their grandson or embraced by anyone other than another infectious person?  Well, those days were over until they completed their long round of medications.

We find a leper in Luke 5:12-15 who no doubt felt the same amount of social chastisement.  More actually.  He could no longer live with his family, but had to move outside the city to the leper colony.  He had to shout “unclean” wherever he went, watching passerby’s scurry away like mice.  Touch was a distant memory—both the ability of being able to feel anything, as well as the presence of another human’s hand on his.

And then. . .

He saw Jesus.  Throwing all shame and embarrassment aside, “he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” (Luke 5:12)

Savor the next few words with me:

“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.  ‘I am willing,’ he said.  ‘Be clean!’  And immediately the leprosy left him.” Luke 5:13, emphasis added

The man got so much more than he longed for.  His health returned and the Son of God touched him.  The Son of God!!  Maybe if I’m willing to cast my fears and shame aside, throwing myself with faith and adoration at the feet of my Maker, I’ll also receive not just what my body needs, but what my heart longs for.