Two encounters with “ritually unclean people,” following Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, revealed Jesus’ grace, mercy, and power for all who trust him. The leper’s cry expressed his hope awakened by Jesus’ teaching on God’s character (Matthew 7:7-12). “If you want, you can heal me.” Jesus’ reply “I want to” reveals Jesus’ love and response to all who seek him. The Gentile (perhaps Roman) centurion in Capernaum expressed faith in Jesus in the same way he expressed unwavering confidence that those in authority have the power to do what they promise to do. The Lord wants to do more for us and through than we can ever ask or imagine. Application: Rejoice in the wonder of God’s redeeming love and rely on God’s infinite power.
