A Week of Reflection on Luke 5:12-16
This week Jesus Heals a Leper -
I know what you are thinking – lordy David, we talked about that two weeks ago.
Well, Jesus’ healing Simon’s mother-in-law, and the others in Capernaum, were certainly healings, but now we are diving into specific miracles – step by step – and how they will affect the calling of disciples.
Hang in there. You’re going to witness not only Jesus’ divine authority but also His deep compassion for the broken and marginalized. That is what Luke is all about (think mission work).
Each day, I align the scripture with a corresponding Old Testament passage to enrich your understanding and apply more depth to what we are reading in Luke.
I think you know the drill. Read the scripture first - then come back to my comments for that scripture.
Day 1: The Leper’s Bold Faith
I think we have all experienced the destitute with their signs at the stop lights. What do we do – we turn our heads away. Why? Because we have already given and given and given the dollars out the window - and "those" people never go away! Well – the Jewish law had a fix for that. Marginalize them!
The leper approaches Jesus, fully aware of the risk of rejection, yet filled with bold faith. According to Levitical law, lepers lived in isolation, crying out “Unclean!” to warn others of their presence. But this man, desperate for healing, breaks through social and religious barriers to seek Jesus’ touch.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on the courage it takes to approach Jesus with your deepest needs. Are there areas in your life where fear or shame holds you back? Remember, Jesus welcomes those who come to Him in faith, no matter their condition.
Day 2: Jesus’ Willingness to Heal
I remember my first encounter with the “untouchables” of India. It was awful, they were pathetic, and how they were treated was unacceptable – but I was going to step in and take care of them! So, who will - Jesus does the unthinkable: He touches the leper. In doing so, He not only heals the man but also restores his dignity. This act of compassion echoes the story of Naaman, who was cleansed of leprosy when he obeyed the prophet Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River. Both stories highlight God’s willingness to heal those who seek Him.
I strongly encourage you to read the entire story of Naaman. It is a classic that I like to return to during the year as an example. You will be ahead of everyone. “I know what the Pastor is talking about!”
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus’ willingness to touch the untouchable reveals His boundless compassion. What might Jesus be calling you to do that requires stepping outside your comfort zone?
Day 3: Cleansed and Restored
After healing the leper, Jesus instructs him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices required by the Law of Moses. This step wasn’t just about ritual—it was about reintegration. By following the law, the man could reenter his community and worship in the temple.
When Becky and I supported the Night to Shine program we would help the “kings” and “queens” with special needs to fit into their suits and gowns. It was amazing to see their transformation. Those pictures are some of my favorite “photos of the day.” that pop up on my phone. I can only imagine what the priests thought when the lepers arrived healed.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus not only heals but also restores. Are there areas in your life where you need both healing and restoration? How can you bring these to Jesus and trust Him to make you whole?
Day 4: The Growing Fame of Jesus
As we can see, folks don’t change. Give them something to talk about and it will run the course. The news of Jesus’ miracles spreads, crowds gather to witness His power. While this fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, (a Servant who would bring justice and hope to the nations), can you imagine the stress on Jesus? Last week Jesus was pushed to the edge of the sea and had to hop on a boat. Here, despite His growing popularity, He remains focused on His mission.
Side bar moment - I encourage you to read through the Isaiah passage down to verse 9. Then reread it right when you wake up the next morning and tell me you are not humbled that he let your feet touch the floor.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus balanced the demands of ministry with His purpose. How can you stay grounded in your calling even when life feels overwhelming?
Day 5: The Power of Solitude and Prayer
If you have been following along you now are starting to see the pattern. Amid the busyness of His ministry, Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray. Do you do that? You should!
This rhythm of action and solitude teaches us the importance of staying connected to the Father, even in the busiest seasons of life.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on your own prayer life. How can you create space for solitude and communion with God, even in the midst of a hectic schedule?
Day 6: The Compassion of Christ
Thought this would be a good way to bring on Saturday. No scripture for tomorrow – so you have to come to church instead!
This week’s reading gets us to the style Luke uses to reveal the heart of Jesus: His compassion for the broken, His willingness to heal, and His commitment to restoring lives. Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah proclaiming good news to the poor and binding up the brokenhearted is fulfilled in these moments. If you were with us on Ash Wednesday you got to witness the power of Isaiah! Learn to love this prophet! Actually, google him and learn more about his life. See you Tomorrow at church!
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus has shown compassion in your life. How can you extend that compassion to others in your community? Where is God calling you to be His hands and feet?
Closing Reflection:
This week, as we journey read Luke 5:12-16, try to imagine the power and compassion of Jesus. He is willing to heal, restore, and draw near to those who seek Him in faith. Why do you think Luke chooses to present Jesus in this manner. If you can, find a study bible and read the commentary about the author of Luke and who his audience was. You might discover he wrote this for you ... kind of!
I know what you are thinking – lordy David, we talked about that two weeks ago.
Well, Jesus’ healing Simon’s mother-in-law, and the others in Capernaum, were certainly healings, but now we are diving into specific miracles – step by step – and how they will affect the calling of disciples.
Hang in there. You’re going to witness not only Jesus’ divine authority but also His deep compassion for the broken and marginalized. That is what Luke is all about (think mission work).
Each day, I align the scripture with a corresponding Old Testament passage to enrich your understanding and apply more depth to what we are reading in Luke.
I think you know the drill. Read the scripture first - then come back to my comments for that scripture.
Day 1: The Leper’s Bold Faith
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:12
- Parallel OT Scripture: Leviticus 13:45-46
I think we have all experienced the destitute with their signs at the stop lights. What do we do – we turn our heads away. Why? Because we have already given and given and given the dollars out the window - and "those" people never go away! Well – the Jewish law had a fix for that. Marginalize them!
The leper approaches Jesus, fully aware of the risk of rejection, yet filled with bold faith. According to Levitical law, lepers lived in isolation, crying out “Unclean!” to warn others of their presence. But this man, desperate for healing, breaks through social and religious barriers to seek Jesus’ touch.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on the courage it takes to approach Jesus with your deepest needs. Are there areas in your life where fear or shame holds you back? Remember, Jesus welcomes those who come to Him in faith, no matter their condition.
Day 2: Jesus’ Willingness to Heal
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:13
- Parallel OT Scripture: 2 Kings 5:13-14
I remember my first encounter with the “untouchables” of India. It was awful, they were pathetic, and how they were treated was unacceptable – but I was going to step in and take care of them! So, who will - Jesus does the unthinkable: He touches the leper. In doing so, He not only heals the man but also restores his dignity. This act of compassion echoes the story of Naaman, who was cleansed of leprosy when he obeyed the prophet Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River. Both stories highlight God’s willingness to heal those who seek Him.
I strongly encourage you to read the entire story of Naaman. It is a classic that I like to return to during the year as an example. You will be ahead of everyone. “I know what the Pastor is talking about!”
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus’ willingness to touch the untouchable reveals His boundless compassion. What might Jesus be calling you to do that requires stepping outside your comfort zone?
Day 3: Cleansed and Restored
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:14
- Parallel OT Scripture: Leviticus 14:2-4
After healing the leper, Jesus instructs him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices required by the Law of Moses. This step wasn’t just about ritual—it was about reintegration. By following the law, the man could reenter his community and worship in the temple.
When Becky and I supported the Night to Shine program we would help the “kings” and “queens” with special needs to fit into their suits and gowns. It was amazing to see their transformation. Those pictures are some of my favorite “photos of the day.” that pop up on my phone. I can only imagine what the priests thought when the lepers arrived healed.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus not only heals but also restores. Are there areas in your life where you need both healing and restoration? How can you bring these to Jesus and trust Him to make you whole?
Day 4: The Growing Fame of Jesus
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:15
- Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-2
As we can see, folks don’t change. Give them something to talk about and it will run the course. The news of Jesus’ miracles spreads, crowds gather to witness His power. While this fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, (a Servant who would bring justice and hope to the nations), can you imagine the stress on Jesus? Last week Jesus was pushed to the edge of the sea and had to hop on a boat. Here, despite His growing popularity, He remains focused on His mission.
Side bar moment - I encourage you to read through the Isaiah passage down to verse 9. Then reread it right when you wake up the next morning and tell me you are not humbled that he let your feet touch the floor.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus balanced the demands of ministry with His purpose. How can you stay grounded in your calling even when life feels overwhelming?
Day 5: The Power of Solitude and Prayer
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:16
- Parallel OT Scripture: Psalm 63:1
If you have been following along you now are starting to see the pattern. Amid the busyness of His ministry, Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray. Do you do that? You should!
This rhythm of action and solitude teaches us the importance of staying connected to the Father, even in the busiest seasons of life.
Devotional Thought: Reflect on your own prayer life. How can you create space for solitude and communion with God, even in the midst of a hectic schedule?
Day 6: The Compassion of Christ
- Key Scripture: Luke 5:12-16 (Reflection on the Whole Passage)
- Parallel OT Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-2
Thought this would be a good way to bring on Saturday. No scripture for tomorrow – so you have to come to church instead!
This week’s reading gets us to the style Luke uses to reveal the heart of Jesus: His compassion for the broken, His willingness to heal, and His commitment to restoring lives. Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah proclaiming good news to the poor and binding up the brokenhearted is fulfilled in these moments. If you were with us on Ash Wednesday you got to witness the power of Isaiah! Learn to love this prophet! Actually, google him and learn more about his life. See you Tomorrow at church!
Devotional Thought: Reflect on how Jesus has shown compassion in your life. How can you extend that compassion to others in your community? Where is God calling you to be His hands and feet?
Closing Reflection:
This week, as we journey read Luke 5:12-16, try to imagine the power and compassion of Jesus. He is willing to heal, restore, and draw near to those who seek Him in faith. Why do you think Luke chooses to present Jesus in this manner. If you can, find a study bible and read the commentary about the author of Luke and who his audience was. You might discover he wrote this for you ... kind of!
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