Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy”
If you have ever had to ask for favours in the past, you’ll probably be familiar with these two categories of people – the ones who really want to help but don’t have what you are looking for (sometimes, the can even make some calls for you), and then the ones who have what you are looking for but for some reasons are not able to let it go. Your search only ends when you meet someone who has and he is able to let go; this is called ability and willingness.
“When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed Him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, ‘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!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:1-3 NIV)
Imagine the scene – a man, burdened by the weight of leprosy, kneels before Jesus, acknowledging His authority and power. Yet, within the plea, there lies a hesitancy, a doubt about the willingness of Jesus to heal. “If You are willing…” The man believed in Jesus’ capability but grappled with the assurance of His love.
How often do we, too, approach God with a similar mix of faith and uncertainty? We trust in His power but may question His willingness to intervene in our specific situation. The beauty of this encounter lies in Jesus’ response – not only did He heal the man, but He also addressed the doubt.
Jesus, moved with compassion, not only assured the man of His willingness but touched him. In that touch, there was not just physical healing but a profound revelation of the love and compassion of our Saviour.
Jesus is not only able to heal you, he is willing to do it right now. He is not only able to give you a good spouse, job or make you prosper materially, it is His will that you have those good things. So, go ahead now and ask for them in faith. Your father in heaven hears.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, I believe that your power is without limit. I know you love me and care about me but sometimes I struggle in prayer, not sure if you are willing. Please Lord help me to hold on to this faith that you are not only able to help me but you are always willing
