“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

A man with leprosy came to Jesus, knelt down, and said, "If You are willing, You can make me clean" (Mark 1:40, Korean Modern Bible).  As I reflect on this verse, several thoughts come to mind:

(1)    The fact that this man with leprosy called Jesus "Lord" and confessed this is a beautiful expression of faith. When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?"  Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."  Jesus responded to Peter, saying, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:15-17, Korean Modern Bible).

(2)    I believe the way this man with leprosy prayed, saying, "If You are willing..." is a precious prayer.  It reminds me of Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will" (Mark 14:36).

(3)    I believe it is a beautiful expression of faith that this man with leprosy believed Jesus could make him clean if He was willing.  This brings to mind Jesus' words: "Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go!  Let it be done just as you believed it would.'  And his servant was healed at that moment" (Matthew 8:13).  In fact, "Jesus, moved with compassion, reached out His hand and touched him, saying, 'I am willing. Be clean!'  Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed" (Mark 1:41-42, Korean Modern Bible).