Historically, people suffering from leprosy were considered unclean and were isolated from society. Others were careful not to touch them or even come near them for fear of contracting the disease. So imagine the drama of the moment when Christ Jesus reached out and touched a leper—and healed him. 

The Bible gives this account: “There came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed” (Matthew 8:2, 3). 

Jesus was not afraid of catching leprosy, because he understood that the true nature of man is spiritual and good, as created by God, divine Spirit. Where others saw a person with a contagious disease, Jesus saw instead the expression of divine Spirit, forever whole, and free from any material condition. The Master’s willingness to touch the leper symbolized the touch of divine Love revealing the man’s true worth as God’s child. And healing was immediate. The heavy weight of public opinion about disease and contagion that this man had been carrying melted away in an instant.