The dictionary defines leprosy: A chronic, infectious, granulomatous disease occurring almost exclusively in tropical and subtropical regions…it can be non-contagious or contagious…

  If people with leprosy were contagious they had to live apart from others and shout “unclean” when others were around.  Lepers were outcasts for the sake of the many.

Such a man came to Jesus while He was teaching in a city.  This man was covered with leprosy…there was no hope of ever being without this disease.  When the man saw Jesus, he fell on his face and implored Jesus to heal him.  He believed that Jesus had the power to do just that!  To be healed of this dreaded and dreadful disease.  He wanted to be “clean”, freed from leprosy.  (Luke 5:12)

This man would have been an “untouchable”, “unclean”, someone to be avoided at all costs.  Yet Jesus stretched out His hand and touched this “unclean” man.  His words as He touched this leprous man…“I am willing; be cleansed.”  And because of the healing power of Jesus, the leprosy immediately left the man clean!  (Luke 5:13)

The condition of that leprous man is my condition and yours.  Whether you are aware of being covered with sin or not…sin is a barrier between you and God.  Sin is even more devastating than leprosy because it affects your eternity.  Think about this: there is no hope of ever being without sin…except for Jesus.

Only Jesus has the power to heal us from the dreaded and dreadful disease of sin.

Only Jesus has the power to clean us from the inside out from our sins.

Jesus is willing to heal you, to give you instant freedom from sin.  This is why the followers of Christ are to be filled with joy…all clean!

Does that mean we are without sin?  No, but it does mean we have a Savior Who forgives us.  This is why we need to keep a short list of seeking God’s forgiveness.  What do you need to talk with the Lord about?

This is why Jesus came, He was born so He could die and heal you from the dreaded and dreadful disease of sin.  He came to cleanse you and me from our sins.  His very name “Jesus” means to “save His people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)

As the Christmas season deepens toward the celebration of Christ’s birth…remember: He came to save you from…the dreaded and dreadful disease of sin.