Jesus spent a lot of time with his friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, but we don’t often think about where they were from. The Bible tells us that the three siblings lived in Bethany, which in Hebrew means “house of affliction.” Since we know that Simon the Leper was also from this region, it’s possible that this town was actually a leper colony, or had been at one time. Perhaps Mary and Martha suffered from the illness themselves or maybe they were nurses who took care of the infected. 

In those days, strict Levitical law deemed even minor conditions like dandruff or eczema as grounds for being labeled a leper and outcast to those designated regions. While the law prevented clean individuals from approaching those with leprosy, Jesus did the opposite. Instead of shrinking away from sickness and oppression, He walked straight into a “danger zone.” He entered Simon’s home, embracing the vulnerable and showing them they were seen and loved, not ostracized. 

My friend, no one is outside the bounds of the depths of Christ’s love and mercy. He was fearless in bringing dignity to the shunned and ostracized, and He wants you to be the same. In a world that is consumed by self-preservation, He invites you to trust Him, take up your cross, and lay your life in His Hands. Go forth with compassion to help the afflicted, resisting fear. Your God will protect and provide for you, filling your heart with joy as you bring love to those deemed least deserving.