I Am Willing

READ

Imagine being untouchable. Not metaphorically, but literally – no one has touched you in years. No handshakes, no hugs, no human contact. This was the reality for lepers in Jesus' time. They were the ultimate outcasts, required by law to live outside the community and shout, "Unclean! Unclean!" when others approached. It wasn't just a medical condition; it was complete social and spiritual isolation. Understanding this contexts makes today’s passage even more beautiful, and why it’s largely considered one of the most touching encounters in Mark's gospel.

Let’s take a moment to read Mark 1:40-45:

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

REFLECT

A leper approaches Jesus – already an act of tremendous courage and desperation. His words are haunting in their raw honesty: "If you are willing, you can make me clean." This story powerfully illustrates the intersection of faith, healing, and obedience. The leper's approach to Jesus demonstrates both desperation and faith – he breaks social conventions but does so with profound respect, kneeling before Jesus. 

Notice he doesn't question Jesus' ability, only His willingness. How many of us approach God the same way? We believe He can help us, but we're not sure if He wants to. Sometimes our biggest barrier to experiencing God's power isn't doubt in His ability, but uncertainty about His disposition toward us.

Jesus' response is revolutionary. First, He does the unthinkable – He touches the untouchable. In that culture, touching a leper would make you ceremonially unclean. But instead of the leper's uncleanness contaminating Jesus, Jesus' cleanness transforms the leper. Then comes Jesus' emphatic response: "I am willing." These three words reveal the heart of God toward human suffering – not reluctant tolerance, but eager compassion.

We have a tendency to keep our struggles private and “manageable.” Yet, the leper made himself vulnerable, exposing both his condition and his need publicly. In our age of carefully curated social media images and emotional walls, this man's raw honesty before Jesus offers a compelling model of authentic faith. Jesus' touch reminds us that true ministry often requires moving beyond comfortable boundaries and entering into others' pain and isolation.

What's fascinating is Jesus' instruction afterward: "Don't tell anyone, but go show yourself to the priests." Why? Because Jesus wanted this man's healing to be officially verified so he could be fully restored to his community. Physical healing wasn't enough; Jesus wanted complete restoration – social, spiritual, and physical. The formerly leprous man, however, can't contain himself. Despite Jesus' command for silence, he spreads the news everywhere. It's hard to blame him – how do you keep quiet about the day everything changed? 

RESPOND

Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.

• Where in your life do you question not God's ability but His willingness to help? What makes you hesitate to bring these areas to Him?

REST

Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:

Lord Jesus, like You touched the leper, touch the areas of our lives that feel untouchable and unclean. Thank you that You are not just able but willing to bring healing and restoration. Help us respond to Your grace with obedience, not just enthusiasm, trusting Your wisdom for how our story should be shared. Amen.