Make Them Human – A New Take On The Healing of the Leper • FOUNDED IN TRUTH

Introduction

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, explores the well-known biblical account of Jesus healing a man with leprosy in Luke chapter 5, verses 12 through 15. However, this teaching delves deeper than the miraculous healing itself, focusing on the profound implications of Jesus’ actions towards someone living on the margins of society. The speaker weaves in personal anecdotes, including the recent passing of his grandmother and memories of his grandfather, Pastor Dick Temple, to provide context and emotional resonance to the scripture. The central theme revolves around understanding how Jesus interacted with marginalized individuals and how we, as followers, are called to emulate his compassion and action.

Understanding Leprosy in the First Century

To grasp the significance of Jesus’ interaction with the leper, it’s crucial to understand the social and cultural context of leprosy in the first century. As the speaker points out, leprosy, now known as Hansen’s disease, was not only a physical ailment but also carried immense social stigma. In ancient times, including the time of Jesus, individuals with leprosy were often ostracized from their communities. They were required to live apart from healthy people and to announce their presence by shouting “unclean” to prevent accidental contact. This isolation was not merely a matter of quarantine; it represented a complete separation from family, friends, and normal life. The speaker vividly illustrates this through a story of a man who contracts leprosy, losing his family, home, and place in society. This societal death, the profound isolation and the slow, disfiguring progression of the disease, was perhaps more terrifying than the physical suffering itself.

Jesus’ Encounter with the Leper

Against this backdrop of fear and isolation, the encounter described in Luke 5:12-15 takes on a powerful meaning. The scripture recounts that a man “who had leprosy all over him” saw Jesus, fell face down, and pleaded, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” The leper’s posture and words demonstrate both his desperation and his belief in Jesus’ authority. What follows is a pivotal moment: “Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, I am willing; be made clean. And immediately the leprosy left him.” The speaker emphasizes the radical nature of Jesus’ action. In a society where touching a leper would render a person ritually unclean, Jesus intentionally reached out and made physical contact. This act of touch was not only an essential part of the healing but also a profound demonstration of compassion and a breaking down of social barriers. Jesus saw beyond the disease and the societal label to the humanity of the individual.

Beyond the Miracle: Emulating Jesus’ Example

The teaching stresses that while the healing was miraculous, the passage invites us to focus on how Jesus treated someone marginalized by society. The speaker highlights two key aspects of Jesus’ actions: intentional engagement and recognition of inherent human dignity. Jesus didn’t shy away from the leper; instead, he engaged with him directly, acknowledging his presence and responding to his plea. Furthermore, by touching him, Jesus affirmed the man’s humanity, countering the societal rejection and dehumanization he had experienced.

The speaker connects this to a story about his grandfather, Grumps, who ministered to a man named Ray who was HIV positive in the late 1980s. At a time when there was significant stigma and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS, Grumps spent time with Ray, read the Bible with him, and ultimately prayed with him as he accepted Jesus. Despite criticism from some within his own community, Grumps prioritized Ray’s spiritual well-being and treated him with compassion, mirroring Jesus’ approach to the leper. The speaker notes that Grumps “couldn’t care any less about Ray’s past life, but he couldn’t have cared any more about his future salvation.” This anecdote serves as a contemporary illustration of reaching out to those on the margins, regardless of societal judgments.

Another insight the speaker shares comes from reflecting on Luke 5:16: “Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” He contrasts Jesus’ intentional withdrawal for prayer with the leper’s forced withdrawal from society. This prompts the question of whether Jesus’ time in deserted places allowed him to better understand and empathize with those who were isolated and devalued. The speaker believes that by intentionally stepping away, even Jesus, in his humanity, gained a deeper understanding of the experiences of the marginalized.

Application for Everyday Life

• Recognize the humanity in everyone: Just as Jesus saw the man beyond his leprosy, we are called to see the inherent worth and dignity in every person we encounter, regardless of their social standing, background, or perceived differences. This is “kingdom behavior” – remembering that everyone is made in the image of God.
• Reach out to the marginalized: Emulate Jesus’ willingness to engage with those whom society often overlooks or rejects. This might involve simple acts of kindness, listening to their stories, or offering practical support.
• Challenge societal stigmas: Be aware of the prejudices and biases that lead to marginalization and actively work to counter them in our own attitudes and actions. Grumps’ ministry to Ray exemplifies this.
• Embrace discomfort for the sake of others: Sometimes, reaching out to the marginalized may take us out of our comfort zones. The speaker suggests that “sometimes the blessing comes from the mud” – from the difficult and uncomfortable places where we connect with those in need.
• Focus on genuine needs: Like Grumps, prioritize the spiritual and emotional well-being of others, recognizing that true blessing is about serving God’s kingdom and meeting the needs of others, not personal gain.
• Learn from Jesus’ example of withdrawal and engagement: While we may not face forced isolation, intentionally seeking times of solitude and prayer can deepen our empathy and equip us to engage more effectively with the world around us.

Conclusion

The healing of the leper is more than just a story of a miracle; it’s a powerful illustration of Jesus’ heart for the marginalized and a call for his followers to embody that same compassion. By looking beyond the surface and understanding the social context, we can glean profound insights into how to “make them human” – to see, value, and engage with all individuals with the love and dignity that Jesus demonstrated. This teaching encourages a shift in perspective, urging us to actively participate in bringing “heaven on earth now” by extending grace and love to those on the fringes of our communities.

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References

• Luke 5:12 https://biblehub.com/luke/5-12.htm
• Luke 5:13 https://biblehub.com/luke/5-13.htm
• Luke 5:14 https://biblehub.com/luke/5-14.htm
• Luke 5:15 https://biblehub.com/luke/5-15.htm
• Luke 5:16 https://biblehub.com/luke/5-16.htm