“I will; be cleansed.” — Mark 1:41

HE TOUCHES—AND WE LIVE.

When God first spoke into the chaos of creation, “Let there be light,” light immediately appeared. That same divine authority is present in the words of Jesus. Just as creation was born by His word of power, so redemption comes through His word of command.

Leprosy was incurable by human remedies, yet it instantly disappeared at Christ’s simple declaration: “I will.” The disease showed no signs of healing, nature could offer no contribution, but Christ’s word alone accomplished everything—completely and forever.

In truth, the sinner’s condition is even more hopeless than that of the leper. But let the sinner do what the leper did: come to Jesus, kneel before Him, and say, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” That small measure of faith is enough, for Jesus never rejects anyone who comes to Him. He heals all who ask.

Notice something striking in this story: Jesus touched the leper. The man had already broken through the ceremonial law by entering the house, yet Jesus did not rebuke him. Instead, He Himself crossed the boundary of the law to meet him. In touching the man, He took on ceremonial defilement while giving the leper cleansing. 

This is a picture of the gospel itself: Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

O that sinners would believe in the power of Jesus’ substitutionary work! They would quickly discover the healing virtue of His gracious touch. The same hand that multiplied bread, lifted sinking Peter, upheld suffering saints, and crowns believers—this same hand touches every seeking sinner, and in a moment makes them clean.

The love of Jesus is the source of salvation. He loves, He looks, He touches—and we live.