Where did Simon the leper live?

Simon the leper, an intriguing figure in the Bible, lived in Bethany, a small town just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. This detail complements our understanding of Jesus’ time—a bustling region where miracles and social outcasts coincided. Simon’s name is particularly telling; leprosy was a highly stigmatized condition in ancient Israel, resulting in a complete separation from the community. Yet, here we find a leper hosting Jesus, hinting at acceptance and transformation.

Did you know that Jesus performed a miracle involving leprosy? In Mark 1, He cleanses a leper by simply saying, “Be clean!” This act emphasized not only His power but His compassion, breaking societal norms to touch those deemed untouchable. The setting in Bethany is also significant—this is where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, highlighting the theme of life triumphing over death.

Interestingly, the Jewish purification laws separated the “unclean” from the “clean” as seen in Leviticus 13. However, individuals like Simon remind us that even those marginalized or deemed unclean have intrinsic worth and a role in God’s narrative. Just as Simon celebrates Jesus amidst his former isolation, the invitation extended through Jesus reaches everyone—beyond appearances, situations, or societal judgment. Bethany thus becomes not just a geographical location but a cure for human division, functioning as a space for liberation and resurgence beyond illness.