Connecting Point: Untouchable & Impossible

I love reading about Jesus’ ministry in the Bible, we learn about His character and how well He interacted with everyday people. Jesus was compassionate and kind rather than disconnected and pious. The Jewish culture of that day was marked by arrogant priests who chose to distance themselves from most people, especially those who were ill and poor. Adopting the mindset of Jesus is of great value today for all of us.

Luke gives us inside details into the ministry of Jesus and in Chapter 5 we read of two instances where Christ’s character shines like a beacon in the night by impacting the lives of some desperate individuals. First: a leper’s life is changed, “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.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him,” (Luke 5:12-13).

Second: a paralytic man is healed while Jesus was teaching as a crowd gathered when some friends lowered the man through a thatched rooftop. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’ But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, So he said to the paralyzed man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on, and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, ‘We have seen remarkable things today,’” (Luke 5:20-26).

Both scenarios are remarkable! Leprosy in that era was one of the worst situations to be in, some cases were so severe that individuals with the disease could die. Fear and separation were the common responses of the public, and along came this man seeking out Jesus. Most lepers were strictly forbidden in the towns, they had to remain on the outskirts. Jesus sees this desperate, hurting man, and of all things touches him. Gasps were heard by those around, even those disciples closest to Jesus, and suddenly the man was healed immediately. Wow, wouldn’t that get people’s attention?

Paralysis can occur in a wide range of circumstances, birth, injury, or even sickness. As you can imagine, word was spreading about Jesus and it’s only natural that crowds would be drawn to Him, especially those who felt untouchable and helpless. This paralyzed man is picked up by his friends and through determination, they get him right in front of Jesus. Not only does Jesus heal him, but He also even forgives his sin. What seemed impossible became possible through Jesus. This statement catches the ears of the religious leaders, setting the stage for more drama in the future. Luke the physician began to see why Jesus was exactly what the doctor ordered, physical healings occurred, and souls were being redeemed.