Wednesday 17 October 2007

Background

The phrase "Once, when he was in one of the cities" (v.12) is away of saying 'this is a typical example of Jesus' ministry'.

In the previous chapter Jesus had been shown in contact with thesick and demon-possessed. Now we see Jesus ministering to a personwith a skin disease. Leprosy was a name given to range of ailmentsfrom mildew in houses and on clothes to skin diseases inhumans.

Having no explanation or treatment for leprosy, society demandedthat lepers were removed from sight and contact with other people -they were considered to be 'unclean' (see Leviticus13:45-46). We would describe these people as being socialoutcasts.

By touching the man, Jesus steps across the boundaries separatingclean from unclean. He touches the unclean, and allows that personto become part of the community again. Jesus shows his support ofthe law of Moses and insists that the man show himself to thepriest.

Jesus tells the man not to tell anyone about being healed, butJesus' popularity was spreading and crowds began to followhim.

Luke tells us that Jesus regularly withdrew to deserted places topray - not surprisingly, this was essential to his ministry.

To Ponder

That Jesus could help is not the question in theleper's mind; but will he help? How does this question relate tosomeone who prays for healing and doesn't seem to be made well?

Why do you think Jesus ordered the man to tell noone about being cured?

In 'One World Week' whatboundaries could we cross to bring God's love to those who feelthemselves to be outsiders?