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Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. --- Matthew 8:2-3 Leprosy, like AIDS today, was a terrifying disease because there was no known cure. In Jesus’ day, the Greek word for “leprosy” was used for a variety of similar diseases, and some forms were contagious. If a person contracted the contagious type, a priest declared him a leper and banished him from his home and city. The leper was sent to live in a community with other lepers until he either got better or died. Yet when the leper begged Jesus to heal him, Jesus reached out and touched him, even though his skin was covered with the dread disease. Sin is also an incurable disease---and we all have it. Only Christ’s healing touch can miraculously take away our sins and restore us to real living. But first, just like the leper, we must realize our inability to cure ourselves and ask for Christ’s saving help. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus is the Friend of sinner, the Healer of the sick, and the Saviour of the world. Thank You that I have been redeemed from the slave-market of sin and received health and healing... like the leper who worshiped at Christ's feet and was cleansed by the gracious touch of His hand. Thank You that You sent Jesus to preach the gospel to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, give recovery of sight to the blind, free the oppressed, and proclaim the favorable year of the Lord. Thank You for His healing touch on my life. I pray that I may be used by You in Your unfolding plan of redemption, and for His name's sake, AMEN. Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com