Jesus Is (Still) Willing

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
Mark 1:40-42

In the times of the Bible being pronounced as a leper was a life changing event, for the worse. Apart from the physical affliction, degeneration, and handicap that could result, one would be cut off immediately from one's family and friends, from making a living in society, from attending public worship gatherings and any other vestige of a once-normal life [see here for a synopsis of this topic in the bible; see here for a few pictures - may be graphic]. One was even required to cry out, 'Unclean, unclean' when approached by anyone (Lev. 13:45). Many scholars now believe that biblical leprosy comprised a variety of contagious infections, but whatever the case, it is clear that at that time no cure could be provided by man. The lot of the leper was generally that of perpetual rejection, ostracism, and shame.

The plight of this leper recorded in the gospel of Mark was dire. He was afflicted with something that no man could cure. He had heard of a man who preached and taught with authority, commanded demons, and healed various diseases. And perhaps he had even heard of the disposition of this Man, that He was humble, compassionate, patient, upright, not reproaching the sinner or scornful. And the leper put his faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

The leper came with humility (imploring, kneeling, saying if You are willing) and faith (You can make me clean). Jesus was moved with compassion. How often in the gospels we see (and read) that Jesus was moved with compassion at the need and weakness of man. I imagine Christ's heart was broken by this man's plight. Jesus who perceived the heart and thoughts of the wicked Scribes and Pharisees, must have also perceived the record of rejection, abandonment, pain and loss in this leper's life, and the near hopelessness of being bound by an infirmity for which he could not obtain a cure.

Read that Scripture again and notice the order of events. Jesus met the leper's humility and faith with a heart of compassion. Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him. Then Jesus spoke a word of reassurance (I am willing), and a word of command (be cleansed). And "as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed" (vs. 42).

Jesus Christ, "the same yesterday, and today, and for ever", has not changed (Heb. 13:8). Jesus' heart is still filled with compassion towards the person who is suffering under the bondage of sin, or its effects. And He is not afraid to touch you whatever the disease or fallout looks like. He is still willing. And he will still heal those who come with humility and faith.

Many give up or stop short if their miracle is not immediate. We do not often consider how many prayers this leper must have prayed before today...The same can be said of the woman with the issue of blood for twelve long years, who only worsened. Or the man in the synagogue with the withered hand. Or the man born blind. Or the paralytic on the mat who had already been that way a long time. Or the daughter of Abraham who had been bound by a spirit by infirmity that caused her body to be doubled over for many years. Or the deaf and dumb mutes and the many demon-possessed...The disciples' gospels hint at their stories. These all suffered for various lengths of time. I am certain that prayer would have been offered to God on their behalf by family members, and some would have made supplications to God many times for themselves - long before Jesus of Nazareth appeared, teaching, preaching, and healing.

What is the lesson for us? If you are afflicted by a disease of the body, soul, or spirit; if you need transformation from the inside out; and if you still have a will to be free, a desire to be cleansed, Jesus is still willing. He is the only One who can cure your condition and make you free indeed (John 8:36). Do not cease to "cry out all the more" as blind Bartimaeus did, (although many rebuked him and warned him to be quiet [Mark 10:46-52]). Jesus Christ still has a heart of compassion for you. Remain humble, persistent, and nurture your faith in Him.