Jesus Wanted to Help

A man had a skin disease called leprosy. In those days, people with the disease had to live apart from many others.

Besides feeling sick, he could feel very lonely. Receiving a visit or sharing life as before was difficult.

The man had heard about Jesus. He came close and knelt to ask for help.

He said that Jesus could heal him if he wanted to.

Jesus looked at the man with compassion.

He did not treat him as though he had stopped being precious. He reached out his hand and touched him.

Jesus said he wanted to help and told him to be clean from the disease.

The man became well.

His disease was gone. Jesus asked him to see the priest and follow the instructions for recognizing his recovery.

Jesus also asked him not to announce it everywhere. But the man was so excited that he told people widely.

Many began looking for Jesus, so he stayed in quieter places outside the towns.

The miracle shows a love that comes close to someone who suffers.

Being sick does not make a person less valuable. It does not mean they deserve teasing or rejection.

We can ask what help an ill person needs and offer loving company.

A call, a drawing, or a kind message can help someone feel remembered.

Jesus saw the person behind the illness. We can look at every person with respect and kindness too.

Jesus cares and helps, and we can share his kindness.