1. Invitation to a changed life Touching the untouchables

2. Luke 5: 12 - 15 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. 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.’ 13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 Then Jesus ordered him, ‘Don’t tell anyone, but go, show

3. yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.’ 15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their illnesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

5. Leprosy 1.Skin disease 2.Flesh eating disorder; living death This man was covered with leprosy Jewish law: isolation shame and guilt

6. Two challenges for us this morning: Do we believe Jesus is willing? Who are our untouchables?

7. Lunch with friends this week… Do we believe Jesus is willing?

8. Lord, if you are willing… v12 Deep fear in people that they are unlovable. That their situation is impossible. That clinging on is the only way.

9. “I am willing”, Jesus said. v13 Jesus reaches out to those most helpless. To the most despised and rejected. To the unlovable and the unforgiveable. Jesus reaches out when we despise ourselves.

10. Then he backed up his words with action. Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. v13 Restoration and reconciliation. Deeper healing than just fixing the problem. Getting well in the broader sense of the word.

11. Are there areas in our lives where we need the gentle touch of Jesus today? He is willing…

12. Go to the priest v14 Why? Keep the law Testify to the authorities Ritual purification; acceptance back into society Also… Integration that makes a definite stand against prejudice.

13. Who are our untouchables? Rich Nathan: We must stop shutting the door of the kingdom in the faces of those God is inviting in. Our question: Are people welcome if…?

14. The gift of touch and healing is for the individual. It also brings with it consequences and responsibilities.

15. Tension… Christian love doesn’t mean the absence of moral discernment.

16. It’s easy to practice the welcome of the kingdom without discernment. It’s easy to identify the sin but miss the kingdom welcome. Our challenge: to have clear moral standards AND communicate maximum compassion and mercy.

17. We don’t speak the same language to those who don’t yet have a faith in Jesus. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

18. John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Love wins This is the story of Jesus.

19. Invitation to a changed life Next week: Forgiving sin