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Touching the Untouchable

Last Sunday we considered a text from the gospel of Luke, chapter 5, where Jesus cleansed a leper. It's easy to overlook the strong message of compassion in this text because the word itself is never used. As you read through the gospels you find Jesus healing many people without a touch, and on occasion He healed from great distances with just a word. So, why did he touch the leper? Without a doubt this is an example of the great compassion Jesus felt, and feels toward all who are hurting in our fallen world. It could have been years since anyone had touched this poor man, and it must have been a tremendous shock to feel the hand of Jesus.
Not much has changed since that day, except maybe the realization that we are all like that leper. We all need the cleansing that Jesus alone can provide. And like the leper, we most likely feel just as untouchable as he did until Jesus proved him wrong. How often do we feel unworthy of the Master's touch? We know how unclean we really are, and Satan continually sows the seeds of doubt to weaken our faith. We must always remind ourselves of the powerful cleansing blood of Jesus. Is the blood of the Son of God not powerful enough to cleanse your sin?
Give it some thought. Mullinate on it for a while and remember compassion. If Jesus stretched out His hand to touch a leper don't you think He reaches for you? And, if Jesus stretched out His hand to touch a leper don't you think the same compassion should be extended to one another?

Dan Waller