RAP SHEET LUKE 5:12-14

SERIES: The Kingdom Way

SERMON: From Death to Life — Restored to Community

SCRIPTURE: Luke 5:12–14; Leviticus 13:45–46; Leviticus 14:1–32

REVIEW

This week, we witnessed one of the most shocking moments in Jesus’ ministry so far. A man “covered with leprosy” approached Jesus, fell facedown in worship, and declared, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Leprosy in the ancient world was not treated as a sickness—it was treated as death. Lepers were removed from their families, communities, and worship. They lived outside the camp. They were required to cry out “Unclean! Unclean!” if anyone approached. They were considered the walking dead.

Luke, the physician, makes clear this man was not in a waiting period—he was fully consumed by the disease. Disfigured. Isolated. Cut off. And yet, he approached Jesus.

He did not question Jesus’ ability. He questioned His willingness.“You can make me clean.”

Jesus responded in two ways:

First, He touched him. You do not touch a leper. Touching a leper made you unclean. But when Jesus touched him, the uncleanness did not transfer to Jesus—cleanness transferred to the man. Immediately, the leprosy was gone.

Second, Jesus said, “I am willing.”

Healing a leper was viewed as the equivalent of raising someone from the dead. Jesus was not simply curing a disease—He was reversing living death. This is the picture of the gospel. We are not spiritually sick; we are spiritually dead in our sin. And Jesus is both able and willing to bring us from death to life.

But Jesus did not stop there.

He ordered the man to go to the priest and complete the long and complex process outlined in Leviticus 14. That chapter contains the most elaborate restoration ritual in the entire Law. Why? Because leprosy symbolized living death. Restoration had to look like resurrection.

The rituals were intentionally visible and communal. The priest would examine the man outside the camp, oversee sacrifices, washing, waiting, and public declaration. Only then could he be fully restored to the community.

Jesus restored him from leprosy—and restored him to community.

Leprosy affects isolated individuals. Sin isolates souls. Jesus does not save us to leave us in exile. He saves us from death—and into His family.

APPLY

Where do you see yourself in this story?

Have you ever felt cut off—by shame, sin, failure, or rejection?

Do you believe Jesus is able to forgive and restore you—but struggle to believe He is willing?

Are there areas of your life where you have experienced forgiveness but are still living in isolation instead of community?

Jesus does not only remove guilt—He restores belonging.

What is ONE STEP you will take this week to move from isolation into community as part of your restoration?

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray honestly.

Thank Jesus that He is both able and willing to save you. Confess any place where shame or isolation has kept you at a distance. Ask Him to restore you fully—not just from sin, but into community.

Pray that our church would reflect the Kingdom way—welcoming the restored, celebrating new life, and walking together as a reconciled family.