Knowing The Word in Matthew 8

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

[We have had a large section of teaching that has impressed the crowds with Jesus’ authority in wisdom, now we turn to healings and miracles, which impress the crowds with his authority in deeds.]

1 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And behold, a leper [excluded from the congregation by his condition] came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” [See Leviticus 13-14 for the requirement of law regarding leprosy, including how lepers are brought back into the community after being declared clean by a priest.]