A leper came to Jesus once – quite against the law which required him to live as an outcast to avoid spreading infection – and asked for cleansing. In his request, he said, ‘if you are willing.’ (Mark 1:40) It was a big risk he took, but he was a desperate man.

Jesus was indeed willing, and not only that, He was able to cleanse him. Often we doubt God’s willingness more than His ability. We know God can do marvellous and miraculous things, but we are not always so confident that He is willing to do them for us. We doubt He will be bothered with the minutiae of our everyday lives.

Jesus showed HIs willingness (‘I am willing.’ Mark 1:41) and His power, stretching out His hand to touch the leper (thus breaking another taboo, for to touch a leper was to risk infection.) The purity of Jesus could not be contaminated by the defilement on the skin disease. Instead, His holiness and power cleansed the leper. (Mark 1:42)

Jesus’ willingness to be involved in our lives doesn’t change. He’s still willing to come into our situations with power and authority and He is still doing amazing things.

Our willingness can also at times be called into question. Are we willing? Will we do what Jesus asks us to? Will we obey Him when we don’t understand?

A little willingness goes a long way…