There are many souls stricken with leprosy and their suffering is intensified by being outcasts.. India, Indonesia, and Brazil have the highest rate of leprosy. It has been estimated that three million people are effected by this disease, leaving them permanently debilitated and disfigured.

In the Holy Bible there are stories of lepers who faced the same hardship. They were shunned in public and would isolate themselves from society. They would not be hired to support themselves or their family, and survived through alms from strangers.

When among society, they were required by law to yell out “I’m a leper”. This was to warn not to go near them. Lepers were judged by many who said you were cursed, or being punished for your sins.

Jesus of Nazareth was known for His love and kindness. He had compassion for the sick, and healed them.

Matthew 8: 1-4
Jesus Cleanses The Leper

When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Luke 17:11-19
Ten Lepers Cleansed

Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”  So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”  All Jesus wanted in return for their healing, was to believe and be thankful.

There are many amazing miracles that Jesus performed in the Bible, and this same healing power is available still today,through faith and prayer. The love of Jesus sends men and woman to help those who are suffering.