leprosy. A variety of skin diseases may bave been termed "leprosy", but the dominant form was Hansen's disease, a disfiguring bacterial infection that attacks the skin and nerves, often resulting in loss of feeling and muscle control. Loss of feeling can lead to infection and decay from unnoticed injury, while loss of muscle control can lead to atrophy and even paralysis. In advanced stages the rotting flesh can literally crumble off the extremities and even the face. This "living death" was greatly feared and served as a graphic picture of sin. Touching a leper made one ceremonially unclean. In this case, however, Jesus did not become unclean, but the leper became clean. Although the sin that resides within each of us is immeasurealy more disgusting to Jesus than leprosy, he is willing to touch us also and make us clean.
-Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible commentary

Thought of the Day: RER.
Song of the Day: Third Day-Medley