Matthew 8: 2 Commentary

1. Lepers were OSTRACIZED from society (Lev 13:45,46)
a. Shouting ‘unclean, unclean’
b. Whenever within a certain distance
c. Of another person
2. They were ceremonially UNCLEAN
a. And not allowed
b. To participate in religious ceremony
3. They led a LONELY life
a. As nobody would touch them
4. But this leper took a step of faith approaching Jesus
a. But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6)
5. The leper showed respect and worshiped Jesus
a. Calling Him ‘Lord’
6. This leper made no demands
a. But knew Jesus could heal
b. If He was willing

By Tractorman (wrote 2613 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/20/2012 15:28 pm

1)The account of the healing of the leper is recorded in the other Synoptic Gospels also.Mark 1:40;Luke 5:12-15.Please refer commentary for Mark 1:40 also.
2)The leper was an outcast.He was rejected by the society.He thought of his unworthiness & came to Jesus with an attitude of humility.He knew that there was no merit in him to get the healing from the Lord.He depended on the mercy & grace of Jesus.”He gives grace to the lowly/humble.” Pro.3:34;
James 4:6;1 Peter 5:5.Read Is.57:15.Please note the publican’s prayer in
Luke 18:13 “God,be merciful to me a sinner”.
3)There is no mention of the word “faith” in the narration of the incident in any of the Gospels.But the leper’s words & actions showed that he had faith in the Lord.He came to Jesus after hearing about the miracles done by Him.He believed that Jesus could work a miracle in him.He came with an expectation in his heart for a great miracle to happen in his life.He knew about the compassionate heart of Jesus.He believed that Jesus would show him mercy & heal him completely.Read Rom.10:12-14.Gal.3:26.
4)We are not saved by our good works.We do not earn our salvation.We are saved by grace through faith.Salvation is the gift of God.Read commentary(Number 2) for Eph.2:8 in this web site.

By Alexander (wrote 499 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 9/7/2008 11:06 am

1)We read of another incident of cleansing of 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19.
Evidently it was faith in Jesus Christ that had healed them.But only one of them -a Samaritan was thankful.
2)We read of a person by name Simon in Matt.11:2-6 &Luke 7:19-27.He might have been healed of leprosy by Jesus Christ.
3)In this incident,we see great multitudes followed Jesus.Matt.8:1.
A leper came & worshiped him saying”Lord….”
The leper knelt down to Jesus. Mark 1:40.
A man full of leprosy,who seeing Jesus,fell on his face,saying ,”Lord….”
Luke 5;12.He called Jesus “Lord”
4)Read Matt.11:2-6;Luke 7:19-23.When Jesus was clearing the doubt of John the Baptist - whether Jesus was the Messiah or not-Jesus told the disciples of John that the miracle of healing of lepers was one of the attestations that Jesus is the Messiah.Jesus Christ is the long awaited Messiah who fulfilled the O.T. prophecies.
Please read Commentary for Matt.16:17.(No.2)
5)”if thou wilt,thou canst make me clean”-It is God’s will that all men have to be saved & to come unto the knowledge of truth.1 Tim.2:4.
For this is the will of God,even your sanctification.1 Thes.2:3
6)Please read commentary for Luke 5:12

By Alexander (wrote 499 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 9/7/2008 07:14 am