Jesus Heals a Leper – The Power Behind the Words

“Put your money where your mouth is.” This colloquial saying suggests that a person shouldn’t be all talk. Instead they should prove the validity of their words with money or some other action. Matthew recorded Jesus’ teachings regarding His heavenly kingdom and the characteristics of His citizens. Now, Matthew continues His narrative by showing the legitimacy of Jesus’s heavenly kingship and authority using specific examples. Jesus heals a leper and proves His authority over disease.

A Leper Approaches Jesus

Jesus, the great Teacher, having finished His famous Sermon on the Mount, started down from His mountain classroom. The astonished crowds, who had sat intently listening, packed up their belongings and followed right behind Him. They certainly had a lot to consider!

But as they descended the mountain they heard a strange and terrifying cry coming to meet them. A man diagnosed with leprosy, a deadly and communicable disease approached. All lepers were doomed by law to quarantine outside the normal living quarters and had to announce their presence by loudly calling out, “Unclean! Unclean!” This warning allowed people in close proximity to stay clear in order to protect themselves from catching the dreaded disease.

 Jesus Heals a Leper

The crowds of people pressed to the outside of the entourage, keeping out of reach of the approaching leper. They shivered with fear and disgust as the disfigured man fell at Jesus’ feet begging for healing. “Lord, if you are willing, You can make me clean,” they heard him plead.

With bated breath they waited to see what would happen, and to their surprise Jesus compassionately replied, “I am willing, be cleansed!” You no doubt could have heard a pin drop as Jesus reached out His hand and touched the outcast, immediately cleansing him from the otherwise incurable leprosy.

Jesus then told the man not to tell anyone but to follow the protocol of the Jewish law by showing himself to the priest and presenting the required offering for healing as commanded by Moses. His healing would be a testimony to the religious leaders of Jesus’ power and authority.

 Jesus Has Authority Over Disease

Jesus was not a man of words only. Everything He said about Himself was true. He is the Son of God and rightful King proven by His many signs and miracles. The leprosy that would contaminate all who came in contact with the oozing sores dried up and disappeared at the touch of the heavenly King proving His authority over disease.

Leprosy: A Prototype of Sin

Not only did Jesus perform miracles to affect the physical realm, but He also performed miracles to represent His power in the spiritual realm. Leprosy, a prototype of the incurable disease of sin, contaminates all people. We all must cry, “Unclean, ” when compared to a Holy God. But just as Jesus can heal a man afflicted with the physical disease of leprosy, He also has the power and authority to cleanse the unholy sinner who comes to Him in faith.