1. A man covered with leprosy (12)

Leprosy was a loathsome and disfiguring disease. In Jesus' day it was incurable. People thought of lepers as people today regard AIDS patients. Leprosy is like sin. It has a small and painful beginning; it gradually spreads until it consumes the whole body. It attacks the nerves, so after the initial pain, there is no feeling. It is infectious--it spreads to others. Lepers had no friends and no hope. But this man covered with leprosy came to Jesus. He fell with his face to the ground and begged Jesus' mercy. He wondered if Jesus would shrink back from his loathsome body. Sin is not attractive; it is ugly like this.

2. I am willing. Be clean (13-16)

Jesus touched the man whom no one would touch. He spoke, and the man was cleansed. He gave him directions that would enable him to return to society. The man couldn't be quiet about Jesus, so Jesus became busier--and he spent more time in prayer.

Application: Lord, thank you for touching and cleansing me. Help me to love hard-to-love people, and bring them to you.
One Word: Jesus only can touch and heal