Have you ever felt like an outsider?  The leper in Mark chapter 1 surely felt that way.  Leprosy was a dreaded disease with severe physical effects but the unseen emotional scars were just as deep.

Lepers bore not only physical pain but also they had the mental anguish of being completely banished from society.  Lepers had to dwell outside of the camp, they had to tear their clothing demonstrating their grief, and cry out “Unclean, unclean!” so people would stay away.  Leprosy was often viewed as punishment from God so there was also a moral stigma attached to the disease.  What is involved with restoring a person?   Mark 1:40 displays four characteristics of a person who wants to be restored:

And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

The first characteristic is a desire to change.  He could have said, “I’m used to living this way, I don’t like it but I don’t want to change.”  Sadly that is the belief of too many people – the effort of change and fear of the unknown is greater than the pain they are currently experiencing, so they maintain the status quo.  The leper in this story took the initiative and came to Jesus.  Is there an area in your life in need of restoration?

The next characteristic is earnestly beseeching Jesus.  The word ”beseeching” literally means to come alongside another.  The leper knew he needed help – he had tried in his own strength and realized that he needed a power greater than himself.  Are you desperate enough to admit that you need help?

That leads to the third characteristic which is humility.  He fell on his knees before Jesus, he didn’t care what people thought.  How many of God’s blessings do we miss because of our pride?  “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE” (1 Peter 5:5).

Finally, we see the leper made a specific request, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”  Notice that he did not doubt Jesus’ ability.  He had been considered unclean as long as he had leprosy and now he came to Jesus to be made clean.  Do you desire His cleansing touch in your life?  As you come in faith to Jesus may you experience restoration for your soul!