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Chapter 27—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. Among the Jews it was regarded
as a judgment on account of sin, and hence “the finger of God.” It
was looked upon as a symbol of sin.
Like one already dead, the leper was shut out from the habitations
of men. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by
his breath. One suspected of having the disease must present himself
to the priests. If pronounced a leper, he was doomed to associate
only with those similarly afflicted. The law was inflexible. Kings
and rulers were not exempt.
Away from friends and kindred, the leper must bear the curse.
He was obliged to publish his calamity and sound the alarm, warning
all to flee his contaminating presence. The cry, “Unclean! Unclean!”
coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile was a signal heard
with fear and abhorrence.
News of Christ’s work reached many of these sufferers, kindling
a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha such a thing had
never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease
had fastened. 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 notice one believed to be
suffering the judgment of God? Would He pronounce a curse on
him?
The leper thought of all that had been told him of Jesus. Not one
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who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man
determined to find the Saviour. It might be that he could cross His
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