S – While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” 

¹³ Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him

Luke 5:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary:

This leper addressed Jesus as Lord (kyrie) as Simon had also done (Luke 5:8). Though the term was often used as one would today use “sir,” it seems to have stronger import here. The leper did not doubt the ability of Jesus to heal him, for he said, If You are willing You can make me clean. His only reservation seemed to be Jesus’ willingness. According to the Mosaic Law one who was leprous was not to be touched by anyone who was ceremonially clean. When someone clean touched something unclean, the clean became unclean. Luke, in describing Jesus’ actions, showed that Jesus was the Source of ceremonial cleansing. If He was the Source of cleansing for that leper, He would also be the Source of ceremonial cleansing for the nation.

John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 216–217.

A – This story fascinates me beyond the miracle of healing.  Jesus was willing to touch a man with leprosy.  For whatever part of his life, this man never knew what it felt like to have a hand on a shoulder, a hand shake or touch or a hug.  No physical contact of close proximity.  Yes, Jesus healed him of leprosy but he also gained “contact” with God and others.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah Jireh, our provider.  Thank you, God, for meeting our most intimate needs.  There are obvious things we need and you provide us with those.  There are also things deep in our hearts that we long for and you meet those in ways that only you can.  We invite your Holy Spirt to move and provide in our lives.