Jesus can and is most willing

August 18th, 2021
by Don Richey

Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:3

Have you ever, when seeing someone receiving a miraculous healing or financial breakthrough, ask the question, “What about me, Lord?” I believe this leper may have asked this question many times before he met Jesus.

He must have heard or seen from a distance, since he was not permitted to be in public places by the law, how Jesus had healed the sick. So, he had no doubt that Jesus COULD heal him, but he was not sure if Jesus WOULD. He said to Jesus, “Lord, if You are willing, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2). He was confident of the power of God, but not so confident in the love of God for him.

Maybe like the leper, you don’t have a problem believing that God CAN give you your miracle, since He is Almighty God, but you are wondering if He WILL do it for you. Friends, let Jesus’ actions and answer to the leper settle this question once and for all. He stretched forth His hand, touched the leper and said, “I AM WILLING; be cleansed.” And immediately the leper was healed.

Notice that Jesus touched the leper. He could have healed him from a distance with just a spoken word. He had healed others this way as in the case of the centurion’s servant and the Syro-Phoenician woman’s daughter. So why did He touch the leper?

Well, I cannot say with absolute certainty, but I do believe it is possible that Jesus was aware that for so many years this man was ostracized because of this illness. Is it possible that Jesus touched him to make him feel a part of humanity again and to make him feel loved and accepted again? His touch very well could have been His love extended to this leper.

I believe we can see the love of God here. Can you see how much He loved the leper? That is how much He loves you. The day that you come to know God’s heart of love and believe that he wants you blessed more than you want to be blessed is the day that you receive your miracle.
Let us catch a glimpse of God’s heart of love and we will believe that He is not only able, but also willing to make you whole.