Verses 12: Luke 5:12 - While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] 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."
a. Luke 5:12 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin—not necessarily leprosy.
Luke uses the words, “while Jesus …” to remind us that so many things happen in our lives while something else is going on. Think of times when you were about one sort of business and another opportunity arose. Luke tells us that “ a man came along ..” While you are about your business, people “come along.” These are often people with real needs, people to whom you can minister if you will. The man recognized Jesus and fell on His knees. Part of that may have been his desperation and part may have been recognition of Jesus’ greatness. Either way, He makes a great statement, “If you are willing, you can …”
q Share some ministry opportunities that have come to you while something else was happening in your life.
q Can you think of some people who have just “come along” in your life and have been key contacts for ministry?
q What was it like to have leprosy in the first century? (hint: being ostracized from community, considered unclean.) What does this do to a person?
q Are there people who are like lepers in our society today? How can we reach out to them?
q How would you describe this man’s faith based upon His words and actions?
q What do you believe that God can do if He is willing? Does that affect your praying?
Verse 13: Luke
Jesus did not hesitate to reach out to the man. He defied social norms and any concern for His own well-being to touch a man who was not only considered unclean, but was thought to be highly contagious. He told the man that He was willing to heal him. Since many people believed that leprosy was a sign of sin in a person’s life, Jesus might be seen to be forgiving this man of sin without even mentioning any sin in his life. Immediately, the leprosy left the man. This can be seen as a symbol of how the stain of sin immediately leaves our lives when we are forgiven.
q Tell about a time when Jesus touched you even though you felt dirty and unworthy.
q What are some ways that we can touch people who deeply need to be touched by Jesus, but are considered (or consider themselves to be) unclean?
q Jesus was willing to do what it took to restore this man to health, well-being, and spiritual restoration.
q What do you believe that Jesus is willing to do in your life?
Verse 14: Luke 5 14 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."
Jesus was interested in this man’s whole being as well as his reintegration into society. That required that he approach the civil/religious authorities based upon their established laws. Because his disease was also a form of ritual uncleanness, he needed to take care of his responsibilities in that arena before he could mingle with people again. You can announce that you are whole, saved, forgiven, and cleansed, but the real proof is in your life. Be willing to be scrutinized.
q Once we are healed and forgiven, what sorts of responsibilities do we sometimes have before being fully restored as a whole person in society?
q How do we help people take the necessary steps in follow through after Jesus has brought them healing and forgiveness?
q We understand why Jesus might not want the demons testifying about Him, but why not this man? (Hint: It had more to do with the man’s need to follow through on his change than about Jesus).
q What does it mean today for us to “show ourselves to the priests?”
Verses 15-16: Luke
These things cannot be kept silent. When real life change and forgiveness come to people, the news spreads and others gather to hear about it. Nothing beats word of mouth for getting the word out about anything. The change in the leper’s life was obvious. People everywhere are hurting and burdened by sin and
q How does news about Jesus spread today?
q Do you think people are as hungry today for a genuine word from Jesus Christ, forgiveness, and life change as they were in Jesus’ day?
q Why aren’t more people coming to Jesus today? What would make the difference?
Verse 16 - Luke 5: 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Jesus’ whole life mission was to seek and to save the lost. He was successful at that mission in many ways. He enjoyed large crowds and miraculous events that gathered around His ministry. However, He did not let success “go to His head.” Nor did He rely on His human strength to carry on. Jesus knew what we must know: No matter how desperate the need or successful the message in meeting that need, one must withdraw from time to time. Time alone with God for prayer and reflection is essential to our lives and to our ministries. If Jesus needed that, we do.
q Have you ever been so overwhelmed with the needs or carried away with success that you neglected your own spiritual nurture??
q In what ways is it true that in order to care for others, we must care for ourselves?
q In what ways is it difficult to leave the masses of people that God wants to heal and forgive and retreat to a quiet place for prayer? How do you overcome that?
q What are some things that you love about your personal quiet time?
q How does your quiet time better equip you to share God’s love and forgiveness?
Note: Jesus was not looking for the leper when He found him. Like Jesus, we must remain in a state of constant preparedness if we are going to be ready to communicate God’s cleansing power to people in need that we meet around every corner?.
Practical Applications
q In what ways are you ready for an encounter like the one Jesus had with the leper?
q In what ways are you not ready??
q How can you prepare yourself spiritually this week so that you will be ready?
q What are one or two things you can do starting today or tomorrow to make your quiet time more meaningful?
Scriptures are quoted from the New International Version, (NIV), © 1984, International Bible Society
