(Luke 5:16 NIV) But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life.” In Luke chapter 5 Jesus was on the move again, making a difference everywhere He went. As Jesus came into one of the towns Luke records that a man with leprosy approached Him. Luke was a physician so he had no problem identifying leprosy. This leprous man was in a bad situation. Leprosy is not common today; so let me tell you a little about the illness.
Leprosy is an infectious disease that attacks the skin and central nervous system. People with leprosy often do not have the sensation of pain to identify cuts or bruises; hence they frequently injure themselves without knowing. Leprosy also causes multiple legions on the skin that cause a terrible smell. Lepers, for obvious reasons, were social outcasts. Lepers were considered unclean and since there was no cure, they were condemned to live the rest of their lives in leper colonies. Beyond the obvious physical damage, the treatment of lepers could easily cause psychological harm. They died a slow physical, mental, and social death. It is easy to understand then why a man with leprosy came and bowed down to Jesus. He heard of the miracle worker and he came for a breakthrough; Jesus represented his only glimmer of hope.
With his face to the ground the leper said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” His statement exposes the fact that he had already resolved within his heart that Jesus was bigger than his problem. He did not ask Jesus if He could, but his inferiority complex wondered if He would. The text then reveals a facet of Jesus that comforts my soul. Mark’s account of this miracle says that Jesus was “filled with compassion.” We don’t serve a distant or despondent Lord. Our Savior genuinely cares for us. Jesus was not just motivated to heal because He could, but rather because He knew that He should. I believe Jesus looked passed the outward appearance and saw someone hurting more on the inside than the outside. So before Jesus performed the miracle He did the unthinkable, He reached out and touched the leper. Jesus did what no clean person had since the day the disease had befallen him. Jesus gave the man what he so eagerly longed for – a human touch. Jesus loved him enough to meet him where He was, and He loved him too much to leave him there. Jesus said, “I am willing, Be clean!”
After this miracle Luke records that “The power of the Lord was present for him (Jesus) to heal the sick.” Basically, Luke moved on to what Jesus did next. But sandwiched between miracles is one short verse that tells us a great deal about how Jesus did what He did. In verse 16 Luke says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Another translation of this verse reads, “As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.”
So what does this mean to you today? It means prayer was the key to Jesus’ success. No one questions the remarkable nature of Jesus’ life. What Jesus did for the leper only pales in comparison to what He performed in other miracles. But since Jesus never did anything He did not first see the Father do and He never said anything He did not first hear the Father say, then it is obvious that Jesus saw Himself touching that leper while He was praying to the Father. Jesus always knew what to say and do, because He made the time to spend quality time alone with the Father in prayer.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You once again for sending Jesus to die in my stead. He paid a price He did not owe for a debt I could not pay. I will never cease to give You praise for Jesus. Not only is Jesus my Savior and Lord, but He is also my example. I see how He lived, how He was led of You in all things, and I seek to live that way daily. Lead me as You led Him. Speak to my inner man as You spoke to His. Manifest Your glory in my life as You did through His. I want the world to see Jesus through me daily. Use me as a conduit through which You flow today and every day. I make time to spend time with You and as I do, You lead me in the way that I should go. I am a Spirit-led, blood bought, twice born, BELIEVER! Use me for Your glory Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
