Luke 5:12–16: The Touch that Changes Everything

July 8, 2026

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. Moses. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to-Come.

Several years ago, while in New Delhi, India, I visited a leper colony. There are many forms of leprosy, but a common one attacks the nerves, preventing those affected from feeling pain. As a result, cuts, scrapes, and burns go unnoticed, become infected, and can cause parts of fingers— and even entire hands and feet—to rot away. Because leprosy often targets the limbs first, that day in New Delhi, I encountered people with no fingers or hands, and only partial feet. For those living with such a relentless disease, every day is a battle against pain, loss, and invisibility. At the end of the street stood the city's garbage dump, a stark reminder of their desperate circumstances.

In biblical times, lepers not only lived with severe physical deformities, they also lived in isolation—as if they were the garbage dump of humanity. As soon as the diagnosis was made, a person had to leave home, work, and family to live outside the city walls. Bible scholar R. C. Sproul explains that "in the Bible [lepers] were highly contagious, and the hygiene rules forbade any form of human contact one to another. Not only was the leper forbidden to come near to someone who was whole, but the ceremonial law also forbade a whole person from touching a leper."^[1] Because people feared the disease was contagious, lepers were required to wear a bell or to shout, "Unclean! Unclean!" whenever a healthy person came near.

One day, while Jesus was in one of the cities, probably near Capernaum, "there came a man full of leprosy" (Luke 5:12). In those days, physicians recognized leprosy in three forms: dull white, clear white, and black.^[2] While Matthew and Mark simply note that the man was a leper, Luke—a practicing physician—describes him as being "full of leprosy," indicating that he was in an advanced stage of the disease. 

This outcast, in the throes of a debilitating disease, was utterly without hope until he saw Jesus. The leper "fell on his face" in a posture of deepest humility and "begged him, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean'" (Luke 5:12). Here the term "Lord" is equivalent to "sir," so it is unlikely he recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Still, news of Jesus' healing power had reached even the leper colony. 

This leper's statement of faith is remarkable. He declares, "You can make me clean," expressing complete confidence in Jesus' power to heal. The only remaining question is whether Jesus is willing to act. In effect, the leper is saying, "If you are willing, Jesus, you can heal me. So, will you, please, Lord?" As one commentator notes, "This was a call of faith, leaving the initiative and choice to God."^[3]

Jesus responded with both assurance and authority. He stretched out his hand, touched the man, and said, "I will; be clean" (Luke 5:13). That touch no doubt caused a gasp from the crowd, because according to the ceremonial law no one was allowed to touch a leper. Yet the law was never intended to keep people from doing good. The Giver of the Law is also the Giver of grace. When Jesus placed his hand on the leper, "immediately the leprosy left him" (Luke 5:13). 

Then Jesus gave the man strict instructions: "And he charged him to tell no one, but 'go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them'" (Luke 5:14). The law required the man to present himself to the priest, who would verify the healing and receive the offering for cleansing. This also sent a clear message to the priest that Jesus was in the northern part of the country, demonstrating Messianic power. As Jesus ministered among the people, his healings were visible signs of his authority over sickness and brokenness. Yet, his primary purpose was not merely to address physical needs. These miracles also served as a testimony to his identity and mission. As one commentator puts it: "Silence before the [people], but witness to the priests."^[4]

However, news about Jesus and his extraordinary, life-changing power could not be silenced. Luke explains, "But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray" (Luke 5:15-16). Jesus was fully God and he was fully human. He needed time alone to talk with his Father. If Jesus needed to pray, how much more do we?

Maybe today you need the healing touch of Jesus. You are worn down and need a fresh touch of his strength. Fears have overtaken your mind, your emotions feel overwhelming, and you long for his peace. You are weighed down and need his hand to lift you up. R. C. Sproul writes: 

The touch of Christ is as transforming of people's lives today as it was for that man who had been consigned to a leper colony, to the garbage dump of human society. That power is still in the world. People need to come to Christ today with the same attitude, with the same drive, with the same beseeching spirit of that leper who cried, 'Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.'^[5]

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read and reflect on Luke 5:12–16. Do you approach Jesus with the same humble faith as the leper, trusting both his power and his perfect will in every area of your life?

Talking to God: Ask God to help you trust in his power and accept his perfect will. 

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