From Untouchable to Embraced
1. Discussion Questions (for small groups/families)
What do you think the leper in Luke 5:12 felt like living “outside the camp”? How can we relate to that in our own lives?
Why is it significant that Jesus not only healed the man but touched him?
What barriers or “walls” do people face today that make them feel excluded or untouchable?
How does faith sometimes require risk? What risks has God asked you to take recently?
How does Jesus’ grace embrace us even in our deepest shame?
In what ways can the church embody Jesus’ example of reaching out to the “untouchables” around us?
2. Daily Devotions for Adults
Monday – Jesus Sees Past the Shame
Read: Luke 5:12
Reflection: The leper’s life was defined by shame and separation. Jesus saw beyond the disease to the person. He sees past our sin and shame too.
Prayer: “Lord, help me believe You see me as Your beloved, not as my failures.”
Tuesday – Jesus Crosses the Distance
Read: Leviticus 13:45–46
Reflection: Lepers were commanded to live outside the camp. But Jesus entered into that space. What walls do you need Him to cross in your life?
Prayer: “Jesus, come near to me in my isolation and restore me.”
Wednesday – Faith That Risks
Read: Luke 5:12–13
Reflection: The leper dared to come near and ask. Faith often means stepping out despite fear. What step of faith is God nudging you toward?
Prayer: “Father, give me courage to obey You even when it feels risky.”
Thursday – Grace That Embraces
Read: Luke 5:13
Reflection: Jesus could have healed with a word, but He chose to touch. His grace embraces us fully.
Prayer: “Lord, help me rest in the embrace of Your grace today.”
Friday – A Testimony Worth Sharing
Read: Luke 5:14–15
Reflection: The healed man’s story couldn’t stay hidden. How might your story of Jesus’ touch encourage someone else?
Prayer: “Lord, open doors for me to share what You’ve done in my life.”
Saturday – The Quiet Place with God
Read: Luke 5:16
Reflection: Even as crowds pressed in, Jesus withdrew to pray. We need the same rhythms of rest and connection.
Prayer: “Father, center my heart in You. Teach me to withdraw so I can return empowered.”
3. Daily Devotions for Children (with Activities)
Monday – Jesus Sees Me
Read: Luke 5:12
Talk: The man felt invisible, but Jesus noticed him. Jesus sees you too!
Activity: Draw a picture of yourself with Jesus standing beside you.
Tuesday – Jesus Comes Close
Read: Psalm 34:18
Talk: People had to stay far from lepers, but Jesus came close. He is near to us too.
Activity: Build a “wall” with blocks or pillows, then knock it down — just like Jesus breaks down walls that keep us from Him.
Wednesday – Asking in Faith
Read: Luke 11:9–10
Talk: The leper asked Jesus to heal him. We can ask Jesus for what we need too!
Activity: Write or draw one prayer request and put it in a “prayer box.”
Thursday – Jesus’ Big Hug
Read: Luke 5:13
Talk: Jesus touched the man to show His love. Jesus loves us with a big hug.
Activity: Give a family member a hug and say, “Jesus loves you!”
Friday – Telling the Good News
Read: Luke 5:15
Talk: The man told everyone what Jesus did. Who can you tell about Jesus?
Activity: Make a card or drawing about Jesus’ love and give it to a friend or neighbor.
Saturday – Quiet Time with God
Read: Luke 5:16
Talk: Jesus spent time alone with God. We can do that too!
Activity: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and thank Jesus for three good things this week.
4. Daily Devotions for Youth
Monday – Seen by Jesus
Read: Luke 5:12
Think: Where do you feel unseen or ashamed? Remember: Jesus sees you and cares.
Pray: “Lord, help me believe I matter to You.”
Tuesday – Breaking Barriers
Read: Ephesians 2:13–14
Think: What barriers (fear, guilt, culture) separate people today? How does Jesus break them down?
Pray: “God, tear down walls in my life and make me whole.”
Wednesday – Risky Faith
Read: Matthew 14:28–29
Think: Faith often requires stepping out of the “boat.” What’s your next step?
Pray: “Give me courage to step out in faith, even when I’m afraid.”
Thursday – The Power of Touch
Read: Luke 5:13
Think: Jesus’ touch wasn’t just physical—it meant belonging. Who needs your friendship and encouragement this week?
Pray: “Help me be Your hands and heart to someone who feels left out.”
Friday – Sharing the Story
Read: Acts 4:20
Think: When Jesus changes you, it’s hard to stay quiet. What story could you share with a friend?
Pray: “Lord, give me boldness to speak about You.”
Saturday – Recharge with God
Read: Mark 1:35
Think: Jesus withdrew to pray. How can you set aside time with God in a busy week?
Pray: “Jesus, meet me when I set time apart for You.”
Family Devotional Resource
From Untouchable to Embraced – Luke 5:12–16
Big Idea
Jesus welcomes everyone—even people others reject. He loves us and makes us clean.
Read Together
Luke 5:12–16
Talk About It
Why did people avoid the man with leprosy?
How did the man show faith when he came to Jesus?
What’s surprising about how Jesus healed him?
Who are people that sometimes feel left out today? How can we show them Jesus’ love?
Memory Verse
“I am willing,” Jesus said. “Be clean!” – Luke 5:13
Prayer Together
“Jesus, thank You that You love us even when we feel left out. Help us to trust You like the man with leprosy did. Help us welcome others the way You welcomed him. Amen.”
Family Activities
The Hand of Welcome – Trace everyone’s hand on paper. Inside, write “Jesus says: I am willing.” Hang them somewhere everyone can see this week.
Inclusion Game – At dinner, ask: “Who might feel left out at school, work, or in our neighborhood?” Brainstorm one simple way your family can include someone this week.
Story Reenactment – Act out the story of Jesus healing the leper. One person is Jesus, one is the leper, others are the crowd. Notice how the “leper” feels when Jesus touches him.