The law mandated that the unclean had to live in isolation outside of society, and if they ever came across another person they were to shout their shame and say: “Unclean! Unclean!” Lepers, wherever they went, were unclean outcasts who no one dared approach, lest they too become unclean. Yet, in Luke 5, we see the leper approaching Jesus, bowing facedown, to receive the healing he so desperately needs. By asking Jesus “if you are willing, make me clean” he shows that he knows Jesus is able to heal him.

When Jesus touches the leper before healing him, he is showing that his love for the unclean person is not dependent on their cleanliness. Grace is the arms of Jesus reaching into the mess of our lives, and pulling us close. There is no affliction or suffering beyond Jesus’ power to heal, if he is willing. At the cross, Jesus willingly took upon himself our greatest affliction — sin and death — so that whoever comes to him, trusting in his power to save, shall be made clean and set free.