Devotional
In Jesus’ day, lepers were the ultimate outcasts. They were forced to live in isolation, to cry ‘Unclean!’ when anyone approached, and to cover their faces in shame. Society had written them off as hopeless, untouchable, and beyond help. But then Jesus encountered one of these forgotten souls. What happened next was revolutionary. The leper fell on his knees and said, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus, filled with compassion, reached out and touched him. Not just healed him from a distance – touched him. When was the last time that man had felt human touch? When was the last time someone had shown him dignity and love? Here’s the beautiful truth: every one of us was once unclean with a condition worse than leprosy – sin. We were separated from God, outcasts from His kingdom, with no hope of cleaning ourselves. But Jesus didn’t just heal us from a distance. He reached down and touched us in our filth, communicating His righteousness and holiness to us. Following Jesus’ pattern means we show the same radical compassion to society’s rejects. We reach out to those others won’t touch – the addicted, the broken, the marginalized, the forgotten. We see them as Jesus sees them: beloved children of God who need His touch. This doesn’t mean we compromise truth or lower God’s standards. Jesus called people to repentance while showing them incredible mercy. We can hold high the standard of righteous living while extending compassion to those who are struggling to reach it. Who are the ‘untouchables’ in your world? Jesus is calling you to reach out with His love.
Bible Verse
‘Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”‘ – Mark 1:41
Reflection Question
Who are the ‘untouchable’ people in your community that Jesus might be calling you to reach out to with His love and compassion?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for reaching out and touching me when I was unclean and unworthy. Help me to see others through Your eyes of compassion. Give me courage to reach out to those society has forgotten or rejected. Show me how to extend Your love while maintaining Your truth. Use me to be Your hands and feet to the hurting world around me. Amen.