Today’s scripture: Luke 5:12-16 (ESV-text and audio) (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
When hearing, as a child, this story about Jesus healing the man covered with leprosy, I used to think the adults were saying, “the man was covered like a leopard, see?” I guess my misunderstanding didn’t matter a whole lot for illustrative purposes: the man had an affliction from which Jesus healed him.
I’ve often wondered why Jesus frequently told miracle recipients not to broadcast the fact that he’d healed them. Was it in keeping with his humble attitude? Was it so he could delay his inevitable notoriety among the powerful clergy until the proper time? Even though there must have been a reason to insist on anonymity, Jesus didn’t let it stop him from continuing to help others. Maybe I don’t need to broadcast every time I act upon an opportunity to do something nice for others.
When the healed man went to “show [himself] to the priest”, it must have caused quite a stir. Seeing someone covered with skin lesions one day and then seeing those spots gone the next day would surely be recognized as a miracle!
In another sense, I picture all of us as having “spots.” These spots are inner ones that appear where nobody but we ourselves know what they are, nor how heavy they weigh upon us. They go by names such as Fear, Anger, Disappointment, Pride, Hurt, Sadness, Disillusion, and Frustration. The list could go on and on. Jesus invites us to let him ease our heavy burdens and find rest with him (Matthew 11:28).
Thought for the day: Thank you, Jesus, for being the ultimate “spot remover.” I give over to you those heavy spots in my life that I can not deal with alone. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.