Knowing The Word in Luke 5:12-16, Jesus Cleanses a Leper

Leprosy was the name given to a number of curable and incurable skin diseases. At its worse, it was disfiguring and fatal. The man who came to Jesus likely had a horrible case described as “full of.” Those with leprosy were quarantined by the law and were forbidden to enter cities and/or approach other people. To prevent accidental contact, they were required to cry out to others, “Unclean.” They could not earn a living and were dependent on the charity of others. This leper broke every single rule and social custom approaching Jesus. Onlookers must have been horrified. Yet this man knew Jesus had the power to heal him; he was just not sure that Jesus wanted to. Perhaps Jesus’ healing touch spoke more loudly than his words. Jesus suggests a quiet ritual. The man is to go to the priest, who stands in as health inspector, and make the appropriate sacrifice, so that the man can take his place back in society. Jesus gave this instruction to protect this man, show that he (Jesus) upheld the law, and to give a testimony to the power of God in him. As he had rejected the devil’s temptation to become a popular miracle-worker, Jesus then leaves the cities and heads for the wilderness, away from the crowds, where he could pray and be quiet.

12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Prayer: O God, the Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift: mercifully look upon our frailty and infirmity, and grant us such health of body as thou knowest to be needful for us; that both in body and soul we may evermore serve thee with all our strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. John Cosin, 1595-1672