I have leprosy, I am “Unclean”

In the days of Jesus, just like today, there were people who were labeled “Unclean”, second class citizens, looked down on by society. You know the outcast, those laying on sidewalks asking for money (this is not my view of them only referring to most in society), those who have to register as sex offenders and are posted on that website exposing their shame, cons, thief’s, etc. These men and women during Jesus’ time who had leprosy (an infectious skin disease which attacks a persons nervous system) became the outcast from society and often from their own families for fear of spreading the disease. It’s also reported that even some priest would pick up stones to throw at them if they got to close. Kinda hard to go to church or bible study under those conditions wouldn’t you say? When they came close to people they had to shout “Unclean” to warn others to keep away (kinda like a sex offender has to register). “Unclean” Wow, does anybody care what these people were going through? Would anybody stand up and defend the outcast, the second class citizen, the after thought? They must have longed for a cure, for deliverance, for a savior. But for centuries nobody came. Then one day along came, no not “The Michelin Man” it was Jesus full of mercy and compassion. When they saw Him at a distance they shouted, no not “Unclean” but instead “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” After obeying His instructions, they were healed along the way. One, out of gratitude came back and with a loud voice gave glory to God and fell at the feet of Jesus to thank Him. What do you think would happen if we as the hands and feet of Jesus welcomed the outcast. You know all those I listed above and perhaps others that popped into your mind. Maybe they’d be singing a different tune. Perhaps God has a new song for them to shout. I was reading in Luke chapter 15 the other day and I came to the section in which Jesus tells the parable about the 100 sheep and how one of them got lost. The owner of the sheep left the 99 to go after the lost one and after finding it he rejoiced with his friends because he found the lost sheep. Jesus ends the story by saying something powerful. “There will be more joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don’t need repentance”. Wow, that’s pretty deep Jesus! Are you saying that there’s more joy in heaven over one sinner repenting than 99 Christians going to church on Sunday? I wonder if as a church our focus is a little off. I wonder if as a christian I need to also leave the 99 and go after the lost one? Maybe the “Unclean” one.