A man with leprosy approached Jesus with a beautiful prayer: “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40). Jesus was filled with compassion and then did the unthinkable! He touched the man, a leper! But can you imagine what that touch must have meant to the man? Everything. Then Jesus spoke words that were equally beautiful in their simplicity: “I am willing. … Be clean!” (Mark 1:41). Immediately the man was healed. A simple prayer. A powerful answer. 

Have you ever felt like an outcast? Sometimes it’s your fault. Sometimes it’s not. Maybe your family doesn’t understand you or your coworkers look down on you or the kids at school make fun of you. You can simply pray, “Help!” Listen to Jesus’ answer to your prayer, “I am willing. Be clean!”

Jesus was willing to reach out and touch you too. Jesus’ compassion drove him to you. Why leave the pleasures of heaven for the slime pit of earth? Why would he trade his holiness by touching you and taking all your sin on himself on a cross? He did it because he loves you! No matter what may be happening in your life, always run to the cross to hear Jesus speak these beautiful words to you: “I am willing. Be clean!” And every time you realize that you are not following God’s will for your life, know that forgiveness is there for every sinner. No need to hope, “If you are willing.” Jesus is willing.