Jesus Heals the Leper. As Christians, we are unknowingly discriminatory against lepers. Mark, 1:40-45

Jesus Heals the Leper. As Christians, we are unknowingly discriminatory against lepers. Mark, 1:40-45

In our country, negative stigma against people with leprosy is still common.  People even tend to stay away from lepers and isolate them.  This rejection experienced by lepers causes them to be ashamed, not confident and look down on themselves.  They are even reluctant to go to the hospital because they are ashamed of other people's views.

 As Christians, we are unknowingly discriminatory against lepers.  Just by sight we have discriminated against them ruthlessly.  Do we deserve to treat lepers like that?

 This story we see how the ministry of Jesus, Jesus himself healed lepers twice.  The first case occurred where a man with leprosy was healed as told in today's Gospel.  While the second case occurred when Jesus healed 10 lepers whom He met on the way.

 This incident teaches us 3 things about Jesus' view of lepers.  First, Jesus was not disgusted by a person's illness or condition.  Then Jesus stretched out His hand, touched the man and said, I want you to be clean.  Jesus perfectly demonstrated God's love.  He wasn't disgusted at all on the contrary He came over and touched him.

 Second, God is the only healer who can heal.  Jesus did not want to see anyone suffer the most cursed disease like leprosy.  Therefore Jesus came offering unconditional love and healing.  Through this action, we are taught that Jesus is able to change the wrong views of society.

 Third, Jesus wants all sick people to turn to the right sources for help.  It was not by chance that Jesus met this leper and through this event has proven His power.  Jesus wanted to show that it is only in Him that all who are sick can experience healing.

 In healing this leper, Jesus wants us to know that He will help us when we are desperate and need healing.  We don't need to test Jesus but in Him may we find peace and rest.