And Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I am willing. be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
In this passage, Jesus not only responds to the leper’s request, but also touches him, which was a very important gesture in the society of that time. Lepers were considered unclean, and people often avoided physical contact with them. Yet Jesus, by touching him, shows His compassion and His complete power over disease and social injustice. The phrase “I am willing; be cleansed” shows that Jesus not only is able, but also desires to help him, because He is merciful and compassionate. The leprosy is cleansed immediately, which highlights Jesus’ divine authority to overcome evil and to heal diseases.