The Pastor's Place

Reading Matthew 8 today was a great reminder of Jesus' healing power. I am amazed again by the first story in this chapter. The characters and subplots in this short account are fascinating to me - the leper, the crowd, the Law, and of course, Jesus.

Think about it: The leper "suddenly" approached Jesus. A casual reading will miss this important detail. By Jewish law, lepers were to live separated from their families. Some historians note that a leper had to shout "unclean" as someone approached them on the road.

Imagine having to constantly identify yourself as a pariah. Imagine the feelings of one who had been banished from their community. Imagine this wasting disease eating away at your body.   Imagine hearing that there was a teacher that was healing people with terrible afflictions. Imagine the wonderful hope - the possibility - that Jesus could heal and change everything for an outcast.

In desperation, the leper rushes toward the Master. (I'm pretty sure the crowd parted like the Red Sea as the he kneels before Jesus.) He doesn't wonder "if" Jesus can heal, just if He was willing. It appears that the only doubt is whether Jesus would receive him or recoil and rebuke. 

Ignoring the obvious offense, Jesus reaches out and TOUCHES him! I can hear people in the crowd as they draw back, but strain to see: "Hey, that's against the law! Eeewwww! What is he thinking?!!? How dare...! Look, the leprosy is...GONE!"

What faith the leper had - certain that Jesus could, but uncertain if He was willing. What relief to hear those words - "I am willing, be healed!" What rejoicing to be healed - completely cleansed - from this dread disease!

And the best part for you and me? This is the same Savior that we serve today.  He is still the Healer!  In verse 17, Matthew quotes from Isaiah 53:4 - "Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]." And we won't dismiss the wonderful promise of Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Jesus is still able AND willing to heal today!

Labels: Healer, healing, Isaiah 53:4, Jesus, Leper, leprosy, Matthew 8