Jesus came down from the mountain, and great crowds followed him. A leper somehow managed to come close to him, and asked him to heal him, saying, 'Lord, if you choose to, you can make me clean.'

Lepers were considered unclean and were treated as outcasts of society. This leper made his petition with humility, respect and openness to divine mercy. He understood that many people were, like him, in great misery and were seeking the attention of the Divine. His respect for and faith in Jesus showed that he understood that God was free to act. And, indeed, Jesus' response to him was, 'Yes, I do choose to. Be made clean.'

The marvel of Jesus' heart is revealed here. Instead of tending to the crowds, Jesus focuses on a leper and thus, makes him the object of divine attention.