Jesus Heals a Leprous Man Read: Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16 LK — And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face Luke’s emphasis suggests this was an extremely serious case of leprosy. Lepers were considered ceremonially unclean and were outcasts from society (Leviticus 13:11). While the Old Testament term for leprosy included other skin diseases (Leviticus 13:2), this man may have actually had true leprosy (Hansen’s Disease), or else his cure would not have created such a sensation. MT — and worshiped Him, MK — imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, MT — “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” If You are willing. He had no doubt about Christ’s power, only His will (Mark 1:40–45). Then Jesus, MK — moved with compassion, Only mark records Jesus’ emotional reaction to the leper’s desperate plight. The Greek word appears only in the Synoptic Gospels and (apart from parables) is used only in reference to Jesus. MT — put out His hand and touched him, Unlike rabbis, who avoided lepers lest they become ceremonially defiled, Jesus expressed His compassion with a physical gesture. MK — and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once; One of the characteristics of Jesus’ healings was immediate and total wholeness. (Matthew 8:13; Mark 5:29; Luke 17:14; John 5:9) LK — He charged him to tell no one Publicity over such miracles might hinder Christ’s mission and divert public attention from His message. Mark records that this is precisely what happened. In this man’s exuberance over the miracle, he disobeyed; as a result Christ had to move His ministry away from the city and into the desert regions (Mark 1:45). MK — and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; The ensuing publicity would hinder Jesus’ ability to minister (as in fact happened) and divert attention away from his message. (Mark 3:12; Mark 5:43; Mark 7:36) but go your way, show yourself to the priest, The “priest” was the one on duty at the temple. Jesus commanded the healed leper to observe the Old Testament regulations concerning cleansed lepers (Leviticus 14:1–32). until the required offerings had been made, the man remained ceremonially unclean. and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, A sacrifice of two birds, one of which was killed and the other set free (Leviticus 14:4–7). as a testimony to them.” i.e., the priests. The priest’s acceptance of the man’s offering would be public affirmation of his cure and cleansing. However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter. Only Mark records the cleansed leper’s disobedience, although Luke hints at it (Luke 5:15). LK — The report went around concerning Him all the more MK — so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, The result of the leper’s disobedience was that Jesus could no longer enter a city without being mobbed by those seeking to be cured of diseases. Jesus’ ministry of teaching in that area thus came to a halt. but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction. Jesus kept to the relatively uninhabited regions to allow the excitement over His cure of the leper to die down. Luke also notes that He used His time in the wilderness for prayer (Luke 5:16). LK — Great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Jesus Heals and Forgives a Paralytic Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26 MT — So MK — after some days MT — He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Capernaum (Matthew 4:13). Jesus had left there to get away from the crowds for a time (Matthew 8:18). MK — And again He entered Capernaum. LK — now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. i.e., scribes. These Jewish leaders came from as far away as Jerusalem. His reputation had spread, and already the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him critically. MK — And it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. This is better translated, “He was at home.” This was likely Peter’s home, where Jesus had taken up temporary residence (Matthew 4:13). And He preached the word to them. The good news of the gospel, that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, for the forgiveness of sins. LK — And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. MT — then behold, MK — four men LK — brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. Since he was lying on a bed, the man’s paralysis was severe — perhaps he was a quadripl
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 14:07:01 +0000
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