“Unclean! Unclean!” That’s what lepers warned in Bible times when approaching others. Those afflicted were the outcasts of society. Then came Christ! Jesus healed many during His ministry. Today, the study comes from Matthew 8:1-4 where Jesus heals leprosy, a deadly and agonizing disease. This passage serves as a reminder of Christ’s compassion towards isolated people — and the power of His healing.
These passages in Matthew tie the miracle of healing a leper to Jesus’ ability to forgive sins.
Both are diseases, and through Jesus Christ, both can be healed.
But, what about our “sickness”? Can we be healed too?
Jesus Heals Leprosy – Forgiveness and Healing Power of Christ
When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.
And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” – Matthew 8:1-4 NASB
See John 3:16 for Forgiveness of Sin ..
Jesus Heals the Leper
Throughout history we’ve struggled with our share of diseases. In medieval times there was the plague, known as the black death. It was an horrendous illness. Consequently, it killed about a third of the European population.
Today, dread diseases still plague us. Some have no cure.
There are many types of cancer, the flu, AIDS, and of course COVID-19 to terrify the people of the 21st century.
During the time of Jesus’ ministry, leprosy was the incurable disease of the day. So, those suffering from it were outcasts in the land.
Leprosy led to severe social rejection, forcing sufferers to live in isolation from their communities. They were often banned from public places and had to announce their presence if they came near others. This isolation not only caused physical suffering but also immense emotional and psychological pain.
What is Leprosy?
According to Dictionary.Com–TM, leprosy is ..
“a chronic, mildly infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affecting the peripheral nervous system, skin, and nasal mucosa and variously characterized by ulcerations, tubercular nodules, and loss of sensation that sometimes leads to traumatic amputation of the anesthetized part.”
Today, medical science would conduct experiments and separate causes to find treatment. But, in Bible times the disease was incurable. People normally would not approach a leper for fear of catching the disease themselves.
Did Jesus Run Away?
No! In spite of the leper being deemed “unclean”, Jesus did not hesitate to reach out, touch him, and heal him. This event shows the kindness, willingness and power of Christ.
He risked his life so that this man could live, just as Jesus later did by His sacrifice for us on the cross. His selfless act of compassion is a testament to the power of His love and His willingness to sacrifice for us.
What Disease Do We Have?
Have you ever thought of sin as an illness?
Well, in a sense, it’s the same as those incurable diseases of those days. With that said, the difference between sin and a physical disease such as leprosy is that we all have sin.
Romans 3:23 says;
” for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Sin is inevitable. As long as we have thoughts we can’t avoid it.
And, just like cancer or leprosy, we cannot cure ourselves. We need a doctor.
God is the physician who “cures” all our sins. He “forgets them”, and gives us everlasting life beyond this one.
God’s forgiveness works through His grace and mercy. When we confess our sins and genuinely repent, He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This forgiveness is not earned by our deeds but is a gift freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our sins on the cross.
There is Only One “Catch” to Be Forgiven
We have to act first. The leper bowed down and asked the Lord to make him clean. In response, Jesus healed him.
If we believe, bow down to Christ and ask him to be our Lord and Savior, He will “heal us” by forgiving us of our sins. Our past deeds will be forgotten. We get a new lease on life by receiving the spiritual blessing God has set aside for us. To simplify, the path to forgiveness is clear and accessible to all who seek it. By taking the first step in faith, we open the door to God’s grace and the transformative power of His forgiveness.
Time to Rid Our Lives of “Leprosy”
Jesus healed the leper in Matthew. And, the good news is He can “heal” us too! So, if there is sin in your life (remember, we all have it) or, if you have never accepted Christ, take a moment right now and pray to God to forgive your sin through Jesus Christ. God is waiting to forgive you. Why spend another day away from Him?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like information about how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here and learn more.