Week 3 – Lent Series 2020- Luke 5:12-16-Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
Stories | March 13, 2020
During the time Jesus walked the earth, people who had leprosy were some of the most ostracised. At the time, people believed that leprosy was highly contagious. So, at the first appearance of leprosy, loved ones were banished from their community and left to die.
A man who was riddled with the disease came to Jesus. He re-entered the community to get to Jesus, defying the community’s expectations and safety measures. What great faith the man had in Jesus to seek his healing and restoration (Luke 5:12).
Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying that he was willing and that the man would be clean. The leprosy left the man immediately.
In a moment, the man’s physical health was restored. He was able to return to his home and his community.
I wonder what it would be like for him to return to his family, home, friends, and community.
In the poorest areas of the world, people with disabilities are often outcast. CBM Australia works to improve their quality of life so that they are included and integral members of their community.
Through one of our programs in Africa, we met Christine. Christine had bowed legs. People called her all sorts of demeaning names. CBM’s partners supported her to access local health services and have surgery on her legs. Now her legs are straight. She can now walk without pain.
When Christine returned home, people gathered around her house. The social worker taught about Christine’s condition, and answered questions from those who had gathered.
The surgery restored Christine’s ability to walk. Now she has opportunities to go to school and to make friends. The opportunities that she would have had if she did not have a disability.
You can help children with disabilities like Christine to be included and to join in their community by donating to CBM at cbm.org.au
Bible Passage – Luke 5:12-16
“While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
https://www.cbm.org.au/stories/week-3-lent-series-2020
Related Stories
A Light of Hope
Content Warning: The story in this letter refers to suicide, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please...
Small Business, Big Impact: supporting mental health in Indonesia
Work is a big part of our lives. Not...
A Resilient Woman
Margie, a mother of seven, is a daycare worker in a small coastal village in the Philippines. A few years ago, Margie was diagnosed with a mental health condition after...