Jesus Cleanses a Leper
8 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
3 Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 8 New King James Version (NKJV)
Do we have a faith like this man who has been isolated to many people because of his very serious skin disease? He must have heard about what Jesus has been doing. He must have been in the background because lepers don’t mix with people in huge gatherings during those times. Having heard and from out of nowhere, he came forward and worshiped Jesus! He recognized and had faith in the authority and divine power of Jesus over his personal situation.
True enough. Jesus was moved with compassion. Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing!” As soon as Jesus had spoken, immediately the leprosy left the man, and he was cleansed.
Are we willing for Jesus to speak into our current situation? Do we trust in His authority and divine power to turn our situations around? Have we asked Him the way the leper approached Jesus?
” Those who by faith apply to Christ for mercy and grace, may be sure that he is freely willing to give them the mercy and grace they thus seek. And those afflictions are blessed that bring us to know Christ, and cause us to seek help and salvation from him. Let those who are cleansed from their spiritual leprosy, go to Christ’s ministers and open their case, that they may advise, comfort, and pray for them.” – Matthew Henry
Photo credit: christchurchrbgospelreflections.blogspot.com
This is part 3 of the Faith series. Click the link below for other parts of this series:
Part 1: All About Faith Series: Part 1 (The Faith of Abraham Confirmed)
Part 2: All About Faith Series: Part 2 The Persistent Faith of Hannah
Part 3: All About Faith Series: Part 3 You Will Be Established