Is Jesus Willing?
(#18) Lessons from Luke 5:12-15
**Hey Salt & Light Daily Readers**
Join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Scott Owens, our guest writer for this weeks’ edition of The Salt & Light Daily. Scott is a Pastor, Substack Writer, and former Hospice Chaplain living in West Texas.
We are excited for him to share his thoughts on the next section in the Book of Luke.
Devotional: Luke 5:12-15
Dear Readers,
In this passage, Jesus performs a remarkable healing by touching a man with leprosy, breaking down the barriers that kept him isolated from society.
In the 1st century, leprosy was seen as a dreaded skin disease resulting in a social death sentence. People avoided those afflicted, leaving them to live as outcasts.
“While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. 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.” - Luke 5:12
Though we don’t know the name of this leper, we see that he approached the right person with his desperate plea. His condition must of been severe, “covered with leprosy”.
This act of compassion reveals Jesus’ mission to uplift those who have been marginalized, reminding us that no one is beyond His love and life-changing power. There is no circumstance or situation where Jesus cannot touch.
Reflective Questions:
Do you need His gentle care in your life?
What challenges can you bring to Jesus for His help?
Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. - Luke 5:13
Leprosy & Sin
Leprosy was a disease but not a universal condition. The Bible defines sin as ‘missing the mark’, something was intended for a person but that mark is missed. The bible later explains that sin is a universal condition and a spiritual disease. All people are affected by sin whether they acknowledge the diagnosis or not.
The effects of sin on our lives are undeniable and cannot be ignored. While it may not always be as obvious as a man with leprosy, the reality is still a matter of life and death.
Finding Hope in His Grace.
Three things we learn about the grace of God in the story of this leper. These truths transcend time to even in our current desperation as sinners in need of change.
First, God’s grace is wide and expansive. No matter how rejected or marginalized we may feel, we are welcomed by His loving grace.
Second, God’s grace is powerful and transformative. This man was so changed, he had to go and offer the proper sacrifices to be reinstated back into society; he is no longer a leper and he does not have to live like one.
Third, God’s grace is freely given. Jesus reached out to this man without any conditions, Jesus’ touched this man with no strings attached.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, even when our lives our in disarray or a mess. Even when our sinful nature entangles us; making us feel hopeless in our condition, there is power in calling on your name, help us to take our doubts, shame, and other failings to you. In Christ Name, Amen.
Provide your feedback:
Reflective Questions:
How has God’s grace impacted your life?
What barriers do you feel keep you from experiencing his love?
Share this message of hope with others.
References & Resources:
Attribute: All-Powerful. Another word used is Omnipotent or Omnipotence. The Bible affirms all power belongs to God (Psalm 147:5) and with him all things are possible (Luke 1:37). His power exceeds human reasoning and even what we our capable of asking or thinking (Ephesians 3:20).
Music: Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes
Sin: Universal Condition; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” - Romans 3:23. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” - 1st John 1:9.
Guest Writer: Dr. Scott Owens
Senior Pastor: Northside Church, Fort Stockton, Texas
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I am constantly left reeling from the grace of our Lord Jesus. Indeed, He is willing to enter our situations and walk with us through them. I thoroughly enjoyed your post.
I had this comment on the post from Facebook:
Yes. When I was told I couldn't have children and now I am the mother of 5 and grandmother of 2. All praise, honor and glory to God - Patricia Greene.