The religious leaders and people of Jesus’ day were afraid they would become unclean if they touched the unclean. Jesus touched the unclean and the unclean were made clean by His touch. Holiness is not the celebration of our own cleanness. It is the celebration of the Holy Spirit who purifies. Holiness is embracing the unclean in real love, valuing the person in spite of their sin. We are called to touch the unclean as Jesus did. It is the touch that can cleanse and restore.
And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.” Mark 1:40-42 (NASB)
