"Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them."
Mark 1: 30 & 31
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'If you are willing, you can make me clean.' Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean.' Immediately, the leprosy left him and he was cured."
Mark 1: 40-42
Faith heals. Just trusting in God's power brings relief. Peter's friends knew Jesus could rid his mother-in-law of her fever so they told him about it. The leper told Jesus, "You can." Imagine being a leper, having no human touch, being estranged from family and friends, suffering through a disfiguring disease all alone. Seeing Jesus, a flicker of hope fans into a flame through faith as you approach him, trembling. Will he shrink back? Will he command you to keep your distance, like everyone else does?
No. Jesus, filled with compassion, reaches out his hand and touches you, just as you are, diseased, dirty, discarded by society. Immediately, your skin is rosy, your burden has been lifted by Someone who is stronger than you.
This same Jesus meets us where we are, disfigured by sin, alone and discarded. He reaches out his hands, receives the Roman nails and lifts our burden for all eternity. Praise God!
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