Bible Studies for Life: June 7

Meeting Needs • Luke 5:12-16, 27-32

By Jessica McMillan

Luke 5 includes several accounts where Jesus offends the religious and societal expectations of the Pharisees. Each story ends with a bold statement made by Jesus that underscores his claim to be God, fully capable of forgiving the sins of humanity. The passages that follow describe two categories of people who were often rejected: a leper, based on repulsion due to uncleanness, and a tax collector, based on reputation. Jesus, in his boldness, kindness, and compassion, met the needs of both.

Luke 5:12-16 (Jesus healed the leper)

Leprosy was highly contagious, painful, and grotesque — literally eating the very flesh of the affected victim. If you have ever Googled the term and seen a picture, you may have felt sick to your stomach. The leper believed that Jesus could heal him, but he wasn’t sure that he would. “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (v. 12 NIV). We are not told how this man contracted the disease, but he knew his own need and recognized the power that Jesus had.

Old Testament passages regarding leprosy indicate the belief that this was a disease caused by God for punishment of sin and curable only by God, too. Remember that Miriam was stricken with leprosy and healed by God in Numbers 12:1–15, as was Gehazi in 2 Kings 5:20-27. Both passages describe the disease as a consequence of sin. Jesus’s act of healing the leper implies that he is God, who not only heals physically but has the power to offer spiritual forgiveness, as well. Because of his great compassion even amid the scrutiny and disdain of the religious leaders, Jesus intentionally touched an untouchable person, affirming his human dignity and meeting his deep need.

Following the healing, Jesus told him not to tell anyone but to go to the priest and offer the specific sacrifices that Moses had commanded for ceremonial cleansing per the guidelines set forth in Leviticus 14. Going to the priest and performing the sacrifices not only sealed the leper’s cleansing, but it also reinstated him into the community. Interestingly, even though Jesus told him not to tell anyone, apparently he did because the news spread quickly (v. 15) and many people came to see him. 

People in our part of the world typically do not suffer from leprosy, but many do suffer from other forms of isolation and deep hurt. Addiction, poverty, grief, loneliness, physical, and emotional pain are just some of the many afflictions that people deal with on a regular basis.   

We can begin to meet the spiritual needs of others by recognizing their struggle and treating them with dignity like Jesus did.

Luke 5:27-32 (Jesus called Levi and ate with sinners)

Jesus not only reached out to people suffering from physical ailments, but he also took note of other types of social outcasts, like a tax collector named Levi. Luke 3:10-14 describes how tax collectors were perceived in Jewish culture, and it was not favorable. Pharisees criticized loudly anyone who socialized with them (Luke 15). But Jesus intentionally initiates an encounter with Levi while he was at work in his toll booth. “Follow me,” (v. 27) Jesus said, and Levi did.

After that, Levi prepared a party for Jesus at his own home. Who were the invited guests? Levi’s friends, of course (vv. 29-30)! The act of sharing a meal with tax collectors, who were assumed to be sinners, implied the forgiveness of sins. Joining them for a banquet was another insinuation that Jesus was God — able to forgive sinners. The Pharisees were bothered immensely by this and complained to the disciples. By hosting this feast, Levi was pointing other sinners to Jesus, too.

In the selected passages in Luke 5, Jesus had encounters with two men whose lives were wrecked for different reasons: a leper in need of healing and restoration, and a greedy man who needed forgiveness and a fresh start. He offered healing and forgiveness both physically and spiritually. Sometimes it is easy for us to see others through critical eyes when they struggle or behave in ways that we don’t approve of or fully understand. Jesus sees people others overlook and meets them at the place of their deepest need. We are called to do the same! Meeting needs of the people around us is an opportunity to introduce them to Jesus.

McMillan is on faculty at NOBTS and is a member of Roseland Park Baptist Church, Picayune.