How does this passage encourage us to approach Jesus with our personal struggles? Setting the Scene “Then a leper came to Jesus, begging Him on his knees: ‘If You are willing, You can make me clean.’” (Mark 1:40) Seeing the Leper’s Heart • He comes “begging”—no pride, no pretense. • He kneels—public, humble surrender. • He confesses Jesus’ power—“You can.” • He trusts Jesus’ character—“If You are willing.” What the Leper Teaches Us about Approaching Jesus 1. Come honestly. – Bring the real ugliness, just as the leper exposed his diseased skin. 2. Come humbly. – Kneeling recognizes Christ’s lordship and our need. 3. Come expectantly. – Faith rests on who Jesus is, not on our worthiness. 4. Submit to His will. – “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:39) flows naturally from “If You are willing.” Jesus’ Response: Willing and Able • In the next verse Jesus says, “I am willing,” and heals him. • Power and compassion join; our Savior is both mighty (Colossians 1:16-17) and merciful (Psalm 103:13). Taking It to Heart: Our Personal Struggles Today • Physical pain—He still touches the untouchable. • Emotional wounds—He gathers the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). • Sin and guilt—He cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). • Anxious uncertainty—He invites burdens to Himself (Matthew 11:28-30). Connecting the Dots with Other Scriptures • Hebrews 4:15-16—We approach “the throne of grace with confidence.” • Psalm 55:22—“Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you.” • James 4:8—“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Isaiah 1:18—“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Practical Steps for This Week 1. Identify one struggle you’ve kept at arm’s length from Jesus. 2. Verbally confess His power and willingness—“Lord, You can…” 3. Kneel (literally or figuratively) and relinquish outcomes to His will. 4. Record answers—big or small—that reveal His compassionate touch. |
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