Although leprosy was known since ancient Egypt, it is uncertain as to whether or not Mark 1:40-45 is referring to that disease, as the original language meant “scaly-rough” and was used to describe a variety of skin complaints. What do we do with those whose lives are scaly-rough? Do we prefer the comforts of home rather than reaching out to the needy? Do we avoid touching the lives of others that may cause us fear? Some skin disease spread through touch and that was perhaps why the Old Testament law mandated quarantine and forbade touching anyone so infected as an unclean thing (Leviticus 7:19-21). Yet Jesus’ taught that the law of love overrode the letter of any other law, and he willingly touched the man. How willing are we to reach out and touch the lives of others?
No comments:
Post a Comment