"The Untouchables"

Not isolating people because of worldly stigma!

We can put people in the category of “the untouchables” if we aren’t careful. We can end up making excuses like “oh, but they’re so worldly” or “oh, they got drunk this weekend,” but this is the exact opposite of what we are called to do. We should be looking to these people more often because they are in need of Jesus in their lives. Why wait for someone else to touch them when you could do it yourself? If everyone waited, then nothing would happen!

The passage for this message is Luke 5:12-16

“(12) While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ (13) Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him. (14) Then Jesus ordered him, ‘Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.’ (15) Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. (16) But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

The Greek word Hapto is used to describe the word touch. It means “to fasten onto.” Jesus didn’t graze the man’s shoulder or give him a fist bump. It was a compassionate touch by a compassionate God. When Jesus touched the man, his leprosy left immediately!! This is unlike all of the medication we are used to today.

Leprosy was known as a disease that made people “unclean.” They had to tell people they were unclean before entering towns just so people would stay away from them. They were known as “the untouchables.”

The law stated that people who were unclean were not allowed to approach rabbis. The man with leprosy went to Jesus in spite of the law because Jesus was approachable. Jesus was compassionate towards the man and healed him - He knew the power of a touch. When diagnosed with leprosy, people were immediately removed from their homes, and they had to leave their job, their families, and their life. No one ever touched them because they believed it would make them unclean. Jesus knew he could just tell the man to be healed, but he touched him. This man was unworthy of the touch of a man, but worthy of the touch of God!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

There will always be someone waiting for a compassionate touch in their life. Whether it is a hug or you are praying over someone, there will always be someone in need of compassion. Be the person who shares God’s love, instead of waiting for someone else to do it. People may sometimes get confused as to why Jesus told the man to not say anything about the miracle He just performed. This is because God does not perform miracles as a display of His greatness over us. He graciously gives us miracles as a way to bring us closer to Him. Physical healing was not Jesus’ end goal! It was to show people the compassionate God.

I pray that you find someone in need of compassion, and that you take the opportunity to share God’s love with them. Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll see you next week!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33