You Can Make Me Clean

Jesus encounters a leper who makes a very faith-filled statement: "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus tells him that he is willing, and he heals him of his leprosy. Despite this Messianic secret that Luke says Jesus is not yet fully revealing, the word continues to spread about the authority and wonders that Jesus has demonstrated. Most people won't come near to a leper for fear that they will contract the leprosy. But Jesus is willing - and not only willing, he is able. When Jesus comes near, the leprosy doesn't infect Jesus - Jesus invades the leper.

Have you understood and believed the truth that this leper has learned? That if he is willing, Jesus can make you clean? Or do you still feel at times like you are too far gone? That if he only knew what you had done, he would draw back in disgust? Do you look on from the outside assuming that Jesus' pardon and healing is for others whose lives are mostly put together and just need a little touching up - but certainly not for a mess like you? No matter who you are and where you come from and what you've done, he can make you clean. Come to Jesus and hear him say, "I am willing. Be clean." He is not afraid to come near you. He's not going to catch what you have. You'll catch him, and it will turn you upside down.