In our modern era leprosy (now called Hansen’s Disease in honor of the Norwegian physician who first identified the underlying bacterial cause) is curable with antibiotics. Very few cases remain around the world. Amazingly, leprosy is not even highly contagious, so hugging a person with Hansen’s disease comes with little risk.

But not the case when Jesus walked among the people. Lepers were outcasts. Often resulting in terrible disfigurement, the disease triggered dread and aversion. Before antibiotics appeared (in the 1940’s) no cure existed…except for Jesus: And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Before Jesus no one cared for those with leprosy. After Jesus his followers started to take notice. They asked themselves, If Jesus took the risk to give dignity to those with this terrible disease, should we not do so as well?

Saint Gregory, an early church father, urged Christians to assist victims of the disease. Others followed suit. Although not everyone agreed, small groups of caregivers continued to aid those with leprosy right up until a cure was discovered. Some of these brave souls contracted the disease themselves.

What moved men and women to touch a leper? Quite simply, their commitment to Jesus. The call to love their neighbors as themselves, and the realization that this world is merely a prelude to an eternity with a new body, helped them realize that suffering is temporary and glory waits in the next life.

Every person with this terrible disease is a person of infinite value made in the image of God. Brave souls took that to heart and put their faith into practice.

Would I have touched a leper? I really don’t know. I’m afraid I would have taken a wide path in the other direction. So I’m moved by those unafraid to walk straight up and care for people in such dire need.

Jesus changes lives. He healed the leper, and he healed the vanity and selfish nature of those who cared for lepers over the centuries. Here’s a striking example of how Jesus changes lives. Don’t sell him short—he might just change yours and mine as well.

Matthew 8:1-4

Photo by the blowup