A leper came to Jesus. Kneeling down, he pleaded with him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can cleanse me.”
This verse presents the meeting of deep faith and deep humility before Christ. Leprosy was not only a physical disease, but also a cause of social and ritual isolation. That man comes not with a demand, but with a humble plea. In his words there is at the same time confidence in Christ’s power and submission to His will. This is a beautiful example of prayer, when a person believes that the Lord is able, yet also entrusts himself to His good will. Such faith is pleasing to God, because it unites confidence and humility.