In Matthew 9:1-4 we have a powerful story of Jesus cleansing a man with leprosy.

 Jesus is coming down the mountain having just taught one of the most world changing sermons and right away, this man comes up to Him and says, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reaches out, touches the man, and says, “I am willing; be made clean.”

Many commentators and pastors have remarked how beautiful it is that Jesus touches this man. Leprosy kept one from knowing the intimacy and grace of physical touch. Jesus cleanses this man ceremonially and in every other way.

He reminds this man that he matters, that he is loved. These last several months have shown us the power of touch. We long for a simple handshake. Physical touch is an essential part of being human. We can resonate with this man and his deep need to be seen, to be loved, to be touched.

But, the part of this passage sticking with me this week is the simple declaration of the willingness of Jesus to meet us, to heal us, to save us, to love us. The man says to Jesus “if you are willing, you can make me clean”, and Jesus says, “I am willing.”

This man trusted the power of Jesus to heal. He recognized Jesus as Lord and He called out to Jesus in his great need. He knew Jesus could heal if Jesus was willing to heal, and Jesus is willing. Jesus is coming down the mountain. He has just shown us what life in God’s Kingdom looks like in the Sermon on the Mount and as soon as He comes down this man with leprosy meets Him. Jesus could have brushed the man off, gone past him, or simply spoken a healing word, but He stops and touches the man showing His willingness with His actions and words.

Sometimes in our own lives we doubt Jesus is willing. What are you asking God to do in your life, in the life of your family? What are you bringing to Him and asking Him to heal, to mend, to touch?

Jesus is more gracious than we can even imagine. His power is greater than we can fathom. His love meets us right where we are. Jesus is willing. My soul needs to hear that word today. Jesus is willing. You are not a burden or distraction to Him. He sees you. He knows you. He hears you. He loves you. Come to Him. He is willing.