Read | Luke 5:12–26
While he was in one of the towns, a man was there who had leprosy all over him. He saw Jesus, fell facedown, and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Reaching out his hand, Jesus touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean,” and immediately the leprosy left him. Then he ordered him to tell no one: “But go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing as a testimony to them.”
But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
On one of those days while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in him. Just then some men came, carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before him. Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus.
Seeing their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to think to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.”
Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Then everyone was astounded, and they were giving glory to God. And they were filled with awe and said, “We have seen incredible things today.”
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Notice love on display as Jesus reached out and touched a leper whom others avoided. Whom in your life have you kept at a distance? How can you reach toward them with compassion this week?
Focus
Each week we are focusing on a different classical virtue, a habit of excellent character, and exploring what small steps you can take today to cultivate that virtue in your life. This week, we are looking at the virtue of charity, or love. Charity is action taken toward the good of another person. It is, as Jesus defines in Luke 6:31, “Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” We naturally do what we think is best for ourselves, and charity is choosing to do what is best for another person.
One small way to develop the virtue of charity is to think of one person you tend to avoid or keep at arm's length. This week, close that distance. Sit with them, ask a real question, and listen without rushing. Offer the small touch of presence that says they are not untouchable to you.
Pray
Jesus, fill me with the love that reached out to touch the untouchable. Move me toward the people I have kept at a distance, and let compassion overcome my fear.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.
