Leprosy was the worst possible disease to have in Jesus’ day. Most types of leprosy were incurable and could even lead to death. People with the disease had sores and dead skin that came off when they bumped into things. They had very little feeling in their fingers or toes, so they often didn’t know when they were hurting themselves. They were usually covered with cuts and bruises. No one wanted to be near the lepers because they were afraid that they would catch the deadly disease.