With the Coronavirus outbreak, we are constantly being reminded of the importance of clean hands and self-isolation if we display certain symptoms. In this passage, Jesus encounters a leper who knew all about isolation and just wanted to be clean. Jesus was willing to make him clean in order for him to worship the living God.

Reading

Mark 1:40-45 English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
40 And a leper[a] came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus[b] sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

Focus Verses

Psalm 24:3-4 English Standard Version (ESV)
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.