In first-century Palestine, people afflicted with the lesions, pain, and ulcerated hands and feet of leprosy were Untouchables. They were generally quarantined and required to warn anyone that may happen to come near: "Unclean! Beware! I am unclean!"
Nevertheless, there was at least one such sufferer who went against common practice and actually approached someone...someone pretty well-known for his ability to heal diseases:
Then a leper came to Jesus, knelt in front of him and appealed to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.” Jesus was filled with pity for him, and stretched out his hand and placed it on the leper, saying, “Of course I want to — be clean!” At once the leprosy left him and he was quite clean. (Mark 1:40-42, Phillips)
Jesus didn't have to touch the leper. There are plenty of examples in the Bible of Jesus healing people without actually touching them. And yet, for this person at this moment, Jesus was moved by sympathy to break through convention and connect on a personal, physical level. He wasn't grossed out, he was compassionate.
Truth is...God is never repulsed by anyone. No one is ever disgusting enough for God to shy away from. And we're not just talking physical attractiveness here, okay? Even the worst of sinners is welcomed with open arms. All it takes is an approach and a request.
Thank you, Yahweh, for not gagging when you think of me.
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