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The First Leper to Be Cleansed by Christ
This chapter is based on Matthew 8:2-4; 9:1-8, 32-34; Mark
1:40-45; 2:1-12; Luke 5:12-28.
Of all diseases known in the East, leprosy was most dreaded.
Its incurable and contagious character and its horrible effect on
its victims filled the bravest with fear. The Jews regarded it as a
judgment for sin, calling it “the finger of God.” It was looked upon
as a symbol of sin.
Like someone already dead, the leper was shut out from any
place that people occupied. Whatever he touched was unclean. The
air was polluted by his breath. Anyone suspected of having the
disease must present himself to the priests. If they declared him a
leper, he was doomed to associate only with other lepers. The law
was inflexible. Kings and rulers were not exempt.
The leper must bear the curse apart from friends and family. He
was required to announce his calamity and sound the alarm, warning
everyone to avoid his contaminating presence. The cry, “Unclean!
Unclean!” coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile was a
signal people heard with fear and revulsion.
News of Christ’s work reached many of these sufferers, igniting
a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha, no one had ever seen
a leper cleansed. There was one man, however, in whose heart faith
began to spring up. Yet how could he present himself to the Healer?
And would Christ heal him? Would He take notice of one who was
suffering the judgment of God? Would He pronounce a curse on
him?
The leper thought of all that people had told him about Jesus.
Not one who had gone to Him for help had been turned away. The
suffering man determined to find the Savior. Perhaps he could cross
His path in some remote place along the mountain roads or as He
was teaching outside the towns. This was his only hope.
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