2026 Luke 5-2, Touching the Untouchables
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2026-03-15 16:12
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Touching the Untouchables
Luke 5:12-26
In today’s passage, there are two people of faith who received Jesus’ blessing.
Part 1, a leper
First, come to Jesus while you can.
Verse 12 says, “While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.” At that time, leprosy was contagious Like Covid 19 that lepers were strictly isolated and quarantined from the community. Lepers were considered cursed by God by their sins. If they happened to meet anyone, they should shout loudly, “I am unclean!” Otherwise, they would be stoned to death. Very humiliating and sorrowful. This man’s psychological disorientation would be worse than his physical distress.
One day he heard that Jesus was in a village. This was good news because He had heard that Jesus healed many sick people. So, he wanted to visit Jesus. However, coming to Jesus as a leper was not simple at all. His ugly and contagious body state, people’s rejection, condemnation and the fear of being stoned to death were all obstacles to him. Nevertheless, the leper overcame all obstacles by faith and came to the village where Jesus was. He risked his life to come to Jesus.
How about you? Today you came to church to worship God. Any difficulties? Did you have to risk your life to come?
Some churches in Malaysia install iron bars in the windows. Why? Stones are thrown at them. The vandals set fire to the churches. About four pastors go missing every year, meaning they are mostly murdered. Still there are people who risk their lives to come to worship God and dedicate themselves to the Lord. It's said that though the Turkic people they live in the midst of constant war and ill circumstances, there are more and more people who risk their lives to gather and worship God and be baptized. We live in a free nation. Anytime we can come to God. Be thankful and do it when it is easy to do; worship, prayer, mission, “Well, I will do later…” Later? When? When you are sick? When you are hospitalized? When you are old? When you stand before God’s judgment seat? Some people continue to keep putting it off. However, time is coming when we want to do but can't. Come to Jesus now when it's easy to do so.
Second, come to Jesus as a sinner.
Look at verse 12. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He called Jesus Lord, ‘Savior.’ Yes, Jesus is the Savoir who saves us from sin, death and eternal judgment of hell. The word "clean" is "qadrizo," in Hebrews, used not for physical healing but for spiritual healing. The leper came to Jesus as a sinner and seeking salvation from his sin.
Some sick people harbor resentment or complaint, raising a voice, "Why me? What did I do wrong?" And they just want to be healed from their illnesses. However, the leper recognizes himself as a sinner and confesses, "Lord, I am a sinner. Please wash away my sins.” Here comes repentance and experience of the grace of God's salvation.
After healing the leper, Jesus commands him, “Don’t tell anyone about your healing.” Why? Because people would only pursue healing and practical benefit though man’s fundamental problem is sin.
Once, twenty thousand people came to Jesus. Jesus took pity on them and fed them with five loaves and two fish. It was a miracle. This miracle contains a clear message. Jesus is the bread of life and the provider of salvation. Yet, after being fed full, they forced Jesus to become their king to supply food continually. They ignored Jesus' essential message and pursued only practical benefit. They were degenerated.
Don't forget. We come to Jesus as sinner. We need forgiveness from the Lord. “Lord, I am a sinner. if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Then, Jesus cleanses our sins with his sinless blood.
When the leper came to Jesus, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man first. Though the law forbade man from touching a leper, Jesus touched him in order not only to heal his body but also his wounded heart-loneliness and sorrow. Jesus was willing to embrace him. Would you show affectionate gestures to the wounded?
Lepers are ‘untouchable’ because of their contaminated and contagious bodies. Here is another ‘Untouchable,’ God holiness and glory. In Exodus, no one could approach the Mount Sinai where God was. Now, the holy, glorious and mighty God, Untouchable came to touch the lonely, wounded and sorrowful human beings. That is Jesus. Anyone who is touched by Jesus is healed, restored, saved and can rise again.
"If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus replies, “I am willing.” Do you truly want to be clean? Do you truly want to be healed? Then Jesus will heal you. He will restore you the image of God. And do you truly want to save your family and friends? Do you truly want the revival of this campus and this nation?
Third, go to the priest.
Look at verse 14. Jesus ordered him, “Go, show yourself to the priest.” At that time, the priest examines and issues a recovery certificate for the lepers healed so that they can be brought back into full participation and fellowship in the Jewish community.
Out of mercy, Jesus healed him and blessed him to re-enter the community so that he might restore God’s original blessing to be fruitful, increase in number and fill the earth.
Belonging to the community of God is God’s will. However, some think belonging to the community of God deprives of their freedom. No, that is like spiritually a state of leper. They are isolated from God’s blessings.
One person came to church with some expectations to meet nice people. But he found out that there were few attractive people. He said he was disappointed and he felt burdened by some responsibilities and demand from church. So he just went to church on Sundays.
Who is a man of capability? Though there are few attractive things with demand and responsibilities in the community, stay there, serve and fulfill the mission of God. That is power and capability. This is where you grow and bear fruit that last forever.
Israel came from Jacob. The main character in Genesis is Jacob. Jacob’s father, Isaac had two sons. One of them, Esau fell away. Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham had two sons. One of them, Ishmael fell away. Jacob had 12 sons. Most of them are garbage. Yet, no one fell away. Jacob did not abandon any of them but embraced and rescued all of them and raised them to become 12 patriarchs of Israel. No community is perfect on earth. Still belong to the community of God, stay there and develop capability within the community. Worship, pray and do the work of God with others in the community of God. God's glory will descend upon you, and you will grow and bear fruit.
Part 2, a paralytic
First, the faith of friends
Look at verse 18 “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.” When they brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus, the house was all occupied by people even up to the entrance door. Now they had to make a decision either to go back home or somehow to find a way to come to Jesus.
Look at verse 19. “When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.” This is reckless, insane and bizarre. In doing so, they cut in the line. They offended many people and interrupted Jesus’ teaching. Moreover, they damaged other’s property. The owner of the house might call the police. They would have to pay lots of money to repair the roof and be imprisoned.
But it did not matter what might happen to them as long as they could bring their suffering friend to Jesus believing that Jesus would surely accept them and heal their suffering friend. Their compassionate hearts toward their sick friend were flaring so intensely that nothing could stop themselves from climbing up and digging a hole in another's roof.
Can you open the way of faith with your friends? Are your friends comrades in faith, and do they empower you with faith? If so, you possess great wealth. If you meet people superficially in church but try to have a deep tie with unbelievers in the world, you are foolish and poor because you cannot get help for your souls from your friends in Christ Jesus. Here, four friends brought his paralyzed friend to Jesus. We call it a group faith.
When you make friends, see whether that person solves problems through prayer or not and by coming to Jesus or not. See when problems arise, whether he disappears again, or looks for people to chat. If you stay with someone no faith, both you and that person are in danger spiritually. Four friends brought this sick man to Jesus. If you have such friends who encourage and guide you to come to Jesus, you are truly blessed.
But, if your friends always ask you to eat, drink, play games or travel and criticize you, “Hey, why are you going to church every Sunday? Why do you go to bible retreat and mission trip?” your future would be dark. You can have friends, both believers and unbelievers. Still, surround yourself with men of faith.
Second, faith is drawing near to Jesus
When they faced an obstacle, the crowd, they did not withdraw. No, they opened a way to draw near to Jesus by climbing onto the roof and smashing the tiles to make a way. People must have been shocked and criticized them harshly. However, verse 20 says, “When Jesus saw their faith.” What is faith? It is to come to Jesus in spite of obstacles and hindrances. On the other hand, withdrawing from Jesus is unbelief. (Hebrews 10:38)
Ecclesiastes 5:1 says, “Go near to the house of God and listen to the word of God.” This is faith. When you have faith, you come to church and Bible study in spite of snow storm. When you have faith, you bring your suffering people to Jesus.
Can we see faith? Of course, we can! Coming close to church to live a worship and mission centered life for Jesus’ name sake is faith. However, keeping to find excuses to stay far away from the house of God and His word is lack of faith. I pray that you many draw closer to the Lord.
Third, acknowledge sin
Look at verse 20. “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” He came to Jesus for healing. The biggest problem of him seemed his sickness. But to Jesus, his fundamental and the most urgent problem is his sin problem. So Jesus said, "Your sins are forgiven." Are we an exception? What is your biggest life issue or problem? Is my biggest issue as a pastor teaching the Bible well? No, I need forgiveness from the Lord. Today I came to church to receive forgiveness from the Lord.
Now, he is a paralytic. What kind of sin he had committed? When he was normal, he might drink too much or lost his temper too often that he had a stroke. Or in his paralyzed state, he only lay habitually without any desire. He depended on others but no gratitude. He would be bitter by his ill-human condition complaining and angry. And he might become negative and fatalistic. This is a sin before God. God created man to become an independent being only depending on God giving thanks to Him in all circumstances and bear fruits. But he was not.
Jesus saw that he had no God and God’s purpose in his life. Probably he blamed God or his parents for his ill human condition. Or he cursed himself for everything. He thought he became such miserable because of his sickness. But sickness is not a cause of man’ misery. Among disabled people some keep their humanity to live a meaningful life and glorify God. Helen Keller was a blind, deaf and mute. But she found God and challenged her ill human condition and lived a very fruitful and beautiful life. Those who lie down on the mat of complaint, fatalism, unthankfulness and despair doing nothing are all like the paralyzed and they are sinners. Jesus saw this man’s sin. Jesus saw that this man became miserable not because of the illness but because of his sin-having no relationship with God. At the same time, Jesus saw his faith that he wanted to live a new life in Jesus. Instead of healing his physical sickness first, Jesus healed the sickness of his soul, declaring, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Today, we came to God. Is it just one of our life routine? Or is it for our wellbeing? The truth is that we are sick sinners like the leper and the paralytic. They both came to Jesus by faith believing that He is the Lord and he is able to make them clean and whole. We are deceived and blinded by Satan’s deception that if we are well in our health and career we are fine and happy. Is it so? Look at the world what physically healthy and rich people and nations are doing. Among so many voices, if you and I hear from the Lord in heaven, “Friend, your sins are forgiven,” we are truly blessed. This is salvation.
Jesus said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Then, "He got up, took his mat and walked out." (12) I believe that Jesus challenged his lazy, negative and dependent body and mentality. “Get up by yourself!” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. He is changed. He is no longer powerless but powerful. He is no longer ungrateful but thankful praising God. That is true change.
When we receive forgiveness of sins from Jesus, we do not sit at our comfortable zone anymore. I pray that you may get up taking your mat and walk by faith in Jesus.
Conclusion: We hear from Jesus, “Be clean!” and “Your sins are forgiven!” Do you know you are unclean? Do you know you need forgiveness and a new life? What can make us clean? Who can forgive our sins? Jesus says to each of us. Come to me! “I am willing to make you clean. Friend, your sins are forgiven.” May Jesus’ grace be with you.
Luke 5:12-26
In today’s passage, there are two people of faith who received Jesus’ blessing.
Part 1, a leper
First, come to Jesus while you can.
Verse 12 says, “While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.” At that time, leprosy was contagious Like Covid 19 that lepers were strictly isolated and quarantined from the community. Lepers were considered cursed by God by their sins. If they happened to meet anyone, they should shout loudly, “I am unclean!” Otherwise, they would be stoned to death. Very humiliating and sorrowful. This man’s psychological disorientation would be worse than his physical distress.
One day he heard that Jesus was in a village. This was good news because He had heard that Jesus healed many sick people. So, he wanted to visit Jesus. However, coming to Jesus as a leper was not simple at all. His ugly and contagious body state, people’s rejection, condemnation and the fear of being stoned to death were all obstacles to him. Nevertheless, the leper overcame all obstacles by faith and came to the village where Jesus was. He risked his life to come to Jesus.
How about you? Today you came to church to worship God. Any difficulties? Did you have to risk your life to come?
Some churches in Malaysia install iron bars in the windows. Why? Stones are thrown at them. The vandals set fire to the churches. About four pastors go missing every year, meaning they are mostly murdered. Still there are people who risk their lives to come to worship God and dedicate themselves to the Lord. It's said that though the Turkic people they live in the midst of constant war and ill circumstances, there are more and more people who risk their lives to gather and worship God and be baptized. We live in a free nation. Anytime we can come to God. Be thankful and do it when it is easy to do; worship, prayer, mission, “Well, I will do later…” Later? When? When you are sick? When you are hospitalized? When you are old? When you stand before God’s judgment seat? Some people continue to keep putting it off. However, time is coming when we want to do but can't. Come to Jesus now when it's easy to do so.
Second, come to Jesus as a sinner.
Look at verse 12. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He called Jesus Lord, ‘Savior.’ Yes, Jesus is the Savoir who saves us from sin, death and eternal judgment of hell. The word "clean" is "qadrizo," in Hebrews, used not for physical healing but for spiritual healing. The leper came to Jesus as a sinner and seeking salvation from his sin.
Some sick people harbor resentment or complaint, raising a voice, "Why me? What did I do wrong?" And they just want to be healed from their illnesses. However, the leper recognizes himself as a sinner and confesses, "Lord, I am a sinner. Please wash away my sins.” Here comes repentance and experience of the grace of God's salvation.
After healing the leper, Jesus commands him, “Don’t tell anyone about your healing.” Why? Because people would only pursue healing and practical benefit though man’s fundamental problem is sin.
Once, twenty thousand people came to Jesus. Jesus took pity on them and fed them with five loaves and two fish. It was a miracle. This miracle contains a clear message. Jesus is the bread of life and the provider of salvation. Yet, after being fed full, they forced Jesus to become their king to supply food continually. They ignored Jesus' essential message and pursued only practical benefit. They were degenerated.
Don't forget. We come to Jesus as sinner. We need forgiveness from the Lord. “Lord, I am a sinner. if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Then, Jesus cleanses our sins with his sinless blood.
When the leper came to Jesus, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man first. Though the law forbade man from touching a leper, Jesus touched him in order not only to heal his body but also his wounded heart-loneliness and sorrow. Jesus was willing to embrace him. Would you show affectionate gestures to the wounded?
Lepers are ‘untouchable’ because of their contaminated and contagious bodies. Here is another ‘Untouchable,’ God holiness and glory. In Exodus, no one could approach the Mount Sinai where God was. Now, the holy, glorious and mighty God, Untouchable came to touch the lonely, wounded and sorrowful human beings. That is Jesus. Anyone who is touched by Jesus is healed, restored, saved and can rise again.
"If you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus replies, “I am willing.” Do you truly want to be clean? Do you truly want to be healed? Then Jesus will heal you. He will restore you the image of God. And do you truly want to save your family and friends? Do you truly want the revival of this campus and this nation?
Third, go to the priest.
Look at verse 14. Jesus ordered him, “Go, show yourself to the priest.” At that time, the priest examines and issues a recovery certificate for the lepers healed so that they can be brought back into full participation and fellowship in the Jewish community.
Out of mercy, Jesus healed him and blessed him to re-enter the community so that he might restore God’s original blessing to be fruitful, increase in number and fill the earth.
Belonging to the community of God is God’s will. However, some think belonging to the community of God deprives of their freedom. No, that is like spiritually a state of leper. They are isolated from God’s blessings.
One person came to church with some expectations to meet nice people. But he found out that there were few attractive people. He said he was disappointed and he felt burdened by some responsibilities and demand from church. So he just went to church on Sundays.
Who is a man of capability? Though there are few attractive things with demand and responsibilities in the community, stay there, serve and fulfill the mission of God. That is power and capability. This is where you grow and bear fruit that last forever.
Israel came from Jacob. The main character in Genesis is Jacob. Jacob’s father, Isaac had two sons. One of them, Esau fell away. Jacob’s grandfather, Abraham had two sons. One of them, Ishmael fell away. Jacob had 12 sons. Most of them are garbage. Yet, no one fell away. Jacob did not abandon any of them but embraced and rescued all of them and raised them to become 12 patriarchs of Israel. No community is perfect on earth. Still belong to the community of God, stay there and develop capability within the community. Worship, pray and do the work of God with others in the community of God. God's glory will descend upon you, and you will grow and bear fruit.
Part 2, a paralytic
First, the faith of friends
Look at verse 18 “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.” When they brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus, the house was all occupied by people even up to the entrance door. Now they had to make a decision either to go back home or somehow to find a way to come to Jesus.
Look at verse 19. “When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.” This is reckless, insane and bizarre. In doing so, they cut in the line. They offended many people and interrupted Jesus’ teaching. Moreover, they damaged other’s property. The owner of the house might call the police. They would have to pay lots of money to repair the roof and be imprisoned.
But it did not matter what might happen to them as long as they could bring their suffering friend to Jesus believing that Jesus would surely accept them and heal their suffering friend. Their compassionate hearts toward their sick friend were flaring so intensely that nothing could stop themselves from climbing up and digging a hole in another's roof.
Can you open the way of faith with your friends? Are your friends comrades in faith, and do they empower you with faith? If so, you possess great wealth. If you meet people superficially in church but try to have a deep tie with unbelievers in the world, you are foolish and poor because you cannot get help for your souls from your friends in Christ Jesus. Here, four friends brought his paralyzed friend to Jesus. We call it a group faith.
When you make friends, see whether that person solves problems through prayer or not and by coming to Jesus or not. See when problems arise, whether he disappears again, or looks for people to chat. If you stay with someone no faith, both you and that person are in danger spiritually. Four friends brought this sick man to Jesus. If you have such friends who encourage and guide you to come to Jesus, you are truly blessed.
But, if your friends always ask you to eat, drink, play games or travel and criticize you, “Hey, why are you going to church every Sunday? Why do you go to bible retreat and mission trip?” your future would be dark. You can have friends, both believers and unbelievers. Still, surround yourself with men of faith.
Second, faith is drawing near to Jesus
When they faced an obstacle, the crowd, they did not withdraw. No, they opened a way to draw near to Jesus by climbing onto the roof and smashing the tiles to make a way. People must have been shocked and criticized them harshly. However, verse 20 says, “When Jesus saw their faith.” What is faith? It is to come to Jesus in spite of obstacles and hindrances. On the other hand, withdrawing from Jesus is unbelief. (Hebrews 10:38)
Ecclesiastes 5:1 says, “Go near to the house of God and listen to the word of God.” This is faith. When you have faith, you come to church and Bible study in spite of snow storm. When you have faith, you bring your suffering people to Jesus.
Can we see faith? Of course, we can! Coming close to church to live a worship and mission centered life for Jesus’ name sake is faith. However, keeping to find excuses to stay far away from the house of God and His word is lack of faith. I pray that you many draw closer to the Lord.
Third, acknowledge sin
Look at verse 20. “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” He came to Jesus for healing. The biggest problem of him seemed his sickness. But to Jesus, his fundamental and the most urgent problem is his sin problem. So Jesus said, "Your sins are forgiven." Are we an exception? What is your biggest life issue or problem? Is my biggest issue as a pastor teaching the Bible well? No, I need forgiveness from the Lord. Today I came to church to receive forgiveness from the Lord.
Now, he is a paralytic. What kind of sin he had committed? When he was normal, he might drink too much or lost his temper too often that he had a stroke. Or in his paralyzed state, he only lay habitually without any desire. He depended on others but no gratitude. He would be bitter by his ill-human condition complaining and angry. And he might become negative and fatalistic. This is a sin before God. God created man to become an independent being only depending on God giving thanks to Him in all circumstances and bear fruits. But he was not.
Jesus saw that he had no God and God’s purpose in his life. Probably he blamed God or his parents for his ill human condition. Or he cursed himself for everything. He thought he became such miserable because of his sickness. But sickness is not a cause of man’ misery. Among disabled people some keep their humanity to live a meaningful life and glorify God. Helen Keller was a blind, deaf and mute. But she found God and challenged her ill human condition and lived a very fruitful and beautiful life. Those who lie down on the mat of complaint, fatalism, unthankfulness and despair doing nothing are all like the paralyzed and they are sinners. Jesus saw this man’s sin. Jesus saw that this man became miserable not because of the illness but because of his sin-having no relationship with God. At the same time, Jesus saw his faith that he wanted to live a new life in Jesus. Instead of healing his physical sickness first, Jesus healed the sickness of his soul, declaring, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Today, we came to God. Is it just one of our life routine? Or is it for our wellbeing? The truth is that we are sick sinners like the leper and the paralytic. They both came to Jesus by faith believing that He is the Lord and he is able to make them clean and whole. We are deceived and blinded by Satan’s deception that if we are well in our health and career we are fine and happy. Is it so? Look at the world what physically healthy and rich people and nations are doing. Among so many voices, if you and I hear from the Lord in heaven, “Friend, your sins are forgiven,” we are truly blessed. This is salvation.
Jesus said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Then, "He got up, took his mat and walked out." (12) I believe that Jesus challenged his lazy, negative and dependent body and mentality. “Get up by yourself!” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. He is changed. He is no longer powerless but powerful. He is no longer ungrateful but thankful praising God. That is true change.
When we receive forgiveness of sins from Jesus, we do not sit at our comfortable zone anymore. I pray that you may get up taking your mat and walk by faith in Jesus.
Conclusion: We hear from Jesus, “Be clean!” and “Your sins are forgiven!” Do you know you are unclean? Do you know you need forgiveness and a new life? What can make us clean? Who can forgive our sins? Jesus says to each of us. Come to me! “I am willing to make you clean. Friend, your sins are forgiven.” May Jesus’ grace be with you.