While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy; and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And he stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately the leprosy left him. - Lk 5: 12-13
This passage and the one for the previous session both may leave us with the impression that the person who needed the healing was the initiator of the encounter with Jesus. Even if that is true for these specific interactions, even if it is true when we fall on our face before God and beg for what we need, it is more true that God has first brought our head and our heart to the point of knowing our utter need for him. I believe this will likely be brought out more clearly in some of the other sessions of this step.
And he charged him to tell no one; but "go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." But so much the more the report went abroad concerning him; and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities. But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed. - Lk 5: 14-16
It is clear that Jesus was not seeking fame or glory for himself, but merely having compassion on God's beloved children who are so desperately in need. Yet the lost sheep soon put the emphasis on the gift rather than on the Giver, as we so often do. Jesus' response is to withdraw, not for his own sake but for theirs. Too often, we are tempted to bask in the attention and accolades associated with the work that God is doing through us. This is especially true for those of us in what might be considered as a "performance ministry," such as music or liturgical dance. If we don't keep our perspective, God will often restore it for us in ways we may not find so peacefully restorative as simply withdrawing and praying.
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