Luke 5:12-16

Applebury's Comments

Jesus Heals a Leper
Scripture

Luke 5:12-16 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities, behold, a man full of leprosy: and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 13 And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway the leprosy departed from him. 14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go thy way, and show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 15 But so much the more went abroad the report concerning him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and prayed.

Comments

a man full of leprosy.Leprosy was one of the most dreaded diseases of Bible times. Medical science has made great progress in relieving the suffering of lepers, but in Bible times there was no cure for leprosy except a miracle of God. For the laws pertaining to leprosy see Leviticus 13:1 to Leviticus 14:47.

There are many parallels between leprosy and sin. Both are small in beginning, but deadly in the end. Sin, of course, can be overcome by the divine remedy only. Only the blood of Christ can blot out sin.
Priests were appointed to diagnose cases of leprosy and to pass on the cure. This accounts for the fact that Jesus, after healing a leper, directed him to the priest as the Law of Moses required.

At least three persons in Old Testament times were stricken with leprosy because of their sin: (1) Mirriam (Numbers 12:9-15); (2) Gehazi (2 Kings 5:25-27); and (3) Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). This does not suggest that all lepers were being punished because of their sins.

full of leprosy.The law required the leper to separate himself from the camp of the Israelites and to warn others who might approach him (Luke 17:12-13). This man, however, came into the presence of Jesus, for he was full of leprosy. Just what that meant is not known. There was a regulation in the Law for one whose whole body was covered with leprosy (Leviticus 13:12-13). Such a person was clean, but the leper who came to Jesus, quite evidently, was not. We can be sure of two things: (1) the dreadful plight of the leper, and (2) the gentle response of the merciful Master who touched him and said, I will; be thou made clean.

And he charged him to tell no man.Jesus did not come into the world for the primary purpose of healing lepers. It is appointed unto man once to die (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus did heal many lepers and others who were sick. Even so, disease and death remain in this world; but in heaven, death shall be no more (Revelation 21:14).

Why did Jesus forbid him to tell about his cure? Such news would bring so many that He would not be able to go from city to city to preach the Kingdom of God, and that is what He came to do (Luke 4:43).

But so much the more went abroad the report.More than once people disregarded the wishes of Jesus. There is no indication that He blamed them, for when they brought their sick to Him He healed them.

a great multitude came together to hear, and to be healed.See Matthew 4:23-24. Their cries for help were heard; and when He had healed their sick, He withdrew into a quiet place to pray.

and prayed.Prayer for Jesus was just as natural as for a son to talk to his father. He was Son of God, but He was also Son of Man. As a man, He talked to His heavenly Father. He often deliberately slipped away from the crowds when the pressures of His ministry were heaviest in order to have time to talk to the Father. When He prayed, He spoke to the Father with reverence. He put the Kingdom of God first in His prayers. He didn-'t hesitate to tell the Father of His own needs. His trust in God leads others to trust Him. His thanksgiving for the blessings of God sets an example for all to follow when they pray. Thy will be done is basic in all His petitions, and should be in ours too.