If You are Willing

Matthew 7:28 & 29

When Jesus had finished teaching, a leper came to him and asked him a favor. He said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean" (Matthew 8:2).

I love Jesus response to the leper because it comes with an exclamation mark, "I am willing...Be clean!" (Matthew 8:3).

Jesus reply to the leper makes me think of our natural response to friends. When a friend asks us a favor, we usually respond with "Yes, of course I can do that." So when someone asks us a favor but prefaces it with too many, "Would you mind if...I know it's a bother...this will be really hard for you..." we can feel hurt that our friend does not trust us.

The leper may have asked Jesus if he was willing out of politeness and not distrust, but Jesus' response should give us all courage. When we ask him something, he is willing!

Our prayers are not (or at least should not be) hesitant half-hearted sorry-to inconvenience-you prayers. No, they are prayers spoken by children who know their Father is listening.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).