Matthew 8:2
Verse
Context
Sermons
Bill McLeod
Shane Idleman
Martin Knapp
Daniel Steele
David Servant
David WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And, behold, there came a leper--"a man full of leprosy," says Luk 5:12. Much has been written on this disease of leprosy, but certain points remain still doubtful. All that needs be said here is that it was a cutaneous disease, of a loathsome, diffusive, and, there is reason to believe, when thoroughly pronounced, incurable character; that though in its distinctive features it is still found in several countries--as Arabia, Egypt, and South Africa--it prevailed, in the form of what is called white leprosy, to an unusual extent, and from a very early period, among the Hebrews; and that it thus furnished to the whole nation a familiar and affecting symbol of SIN, considered as (1) loathsome, (2) spreading, (3) incurable. And while the ceremonial ordinances for detection and cleansing prescribed in this case by the law of Moses (Lev. 13:1-14:57) held forth a coming remedy "for sin and for uncleanness" (Psa 51:7; Kg2 5:1, Kg2 5:7, Kg2 5:10, Kg2 5:13-14), the numerous cases of leprosy with which our Lord came in contact, and the glorious cures of them which He wrought, were a fitting manifestation of the work which He came to accomplish. In this view, it deserves to be noticed that the first of our Lord's miracles of healing recorded by Matthew is this cure of a leper. and worshipped him--in what sense we shall presently see. Mark says (Mar 1:40), he came, "beseeching and kneeling to Him," and Luke says (Luk 5:12), "he fell on his face." saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean--As this is the only cure of leprosy recorded by all the three first Evangelists, it was probably the first case of the kind; and if so, this leper's faith in the power of Christ must have been formed in him by what he had heard of His other cures. And how striking a faith is it! He does not say he believed Him able, but with a brevity expressive of a confidence that knew no doubt, he says simply, "Thou canst." But of Christ's willingness to heal him he was not so sure. It needed more knowledge of Jesus than he could be supposed to have to assure him of that. But one thing he was sure of, that He had but to "will" it. This shows with what "worship" of Christ this leper fell on his face before Him. Clear theological knowledge of the Person of Christ was not then possessed even by those who were most with Him and nearest to Him. Much less could full insight into all that we know of the Only-begotten of the Father be expected of this leper. But he who at that moment felt and owned that to heal an incurable disease needed but the fiat of the Person who stood before him, had assuredly that very faith in the germ which now casts its crown before Him that loved us, and would at any time die for His blessed name.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And behold there came a leper,.... As soon as he came down from the mountain, and whilst he was in the way; though Luke says, Luk 5:12 "when he was in a certain city"; in one of the cities of Galilee; one of their large towns, or unwalled cities, into which a leper might come: he might not come into walled (b) towns, at least they might turn him out, though without punishment: for the canon runs thus (c), "a leper that enters into Jerusalem is to be beaten; but if he enters into any of the other walled towns, though he has no right, as it is said, "he sitteth alone", he is not to be beaten.'' Besides, this leper, as Luke says, was "full of leprosy", Luk 5:12 see the note there; and he might be pronounced clean by the priest, though not healed, and so might go into any city or synagogue: the law concerning such an one, in Lev 13:1 is a very surprising one; that if only there were some risings and appearances of the leprosy here and there, the man was unclean; but if "the leprosy covered all his flesh", then he was pronounced clean; and such was this man: he was a very lively emblem of a poor vile sinner, full of sin and iniquity, who is brought to see himself all over covered with sin, when he comes to Christ for pardon and cleansing; and is so considered by Christ the high priest, when he applies his justifying righteousness and sin purging blood to his conscience. A leper, by the Jews (d), is called "a wicked" man; for they suppose leprosy comes upon him for evil speaking. This account is ushered in with a "behold", as a note of admiration and attention, expressing the wonderfulness of the miracle wrought, and the seasonableness of it to confirm the doctrines Christ had been preaching to the multitude. This man came of his own accord, having heard of the fame of Christ; and worshipped him in a civil and respectful way, showing great reverence to him as a man; which he did by falling down on his knees, and on his face; prostrating himself before him, in a very humble and submissive manner, as the other evangelists relate: for that he worshipped him as God, is not so manifest; though it is certain he had an high opinion of him, and great faith in him; which he very modestly expresses, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean: he was fully assured of his power, that he could make him clean, entirely rid him of his leprosy, which the priest could not do; who could only, according to the law, pronounce him clean, so that he might be admitted to company, but could not heal him of his disease: this the poor man was persuaded Christ could do for him, and humbly submits it to his will; of which, as yet, he had no intimation from him. And thus it is with poor sensible sinners under first awakenings; they can believe in the ability of Christ to justify them by his righteousness, cleanse them by his blood; and save them by his grace to the uttermost: but they stick at, and hesitate about his willingness, by reason of their own vileness and unworthiness. (b) Misn. Celim. c. 1. sect. 7. (c) Maimon. Biath Hamikdash, c. 3. sect. 8. & in Misn. Celim. c. 1. sect. 8. (d) Maimon. in Misn. Negaim, c. 12. sect. 5. & Bartenora in ib. sect. 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:2 Leprosy refers to various skin diseases. Lepers were ceremonially unclean; they were excluded from society unless they became symptom-free and a priest pronounced them clean (see 8:4; Lev 14:2-32). On some occasions, leprosy was a judgment from God (Num 12:9-15; 2 Kgs 5:27; 15:5).
Matthew 8:2
The Leper’s Prayer
1When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. 2Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Experiencing Radical True Christianity
By Shane Idleman74351:28MAT 8:2
This sermon addresses the controversial topic of healing, emphasizing the need to seek God's will in this area. It discusses the extremes of strange practices and lack of spiritual openness in churches, urging for a balanced approach in seeking God's will for healing. The speaker highlights historical accounts of healings in the early church and challenges the audience to consider if God still moves in miraculous ways today, aiming to clear confusion and encourage a deeper reliance on God's power.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 31
By Zac Poonen64024:43MAT 8:2
This sermon focuses on the importance of understanding and following all that Jesus taught, emphasizing the need to not only listen to His words but also observe His actions and the spirit in which He ministered. It delves into the significance of humility, faith, and obedience in the context of healing miracles performed by Jesus, highlighting the connection between faith, humility, and receiving according to one's belief. The sermon also addresses the necessity of aligning our faith with the Word of Christ and the importance of recognizing God's greater purposes even in times of suffering or unanswered prayers.
Typified in the New Testament
By Martin Knapp0MAT 3:11MAT 8:2MAT 9:2MAT 9:20MAT 9:27MAT 9:34MRK 8:22LUK 14:14ROM 1:3HEB 13:121PE 1:2Martin Knapp preaches about the significance of the Bible as a double blessing, with the Old Testament paving the way for the New Testament, both inspired by the Holy Ghost and essential for salvation. He emphasizes the importance of not minimizing one testament over the other. Knapp discusses the double dispensations, authorship, nature, baptism, bodily resurrection, and healing, illustrating the need for a Double Cure in spiritual life.
Exegesis
By Daniel Steele0MAT 8:2ROM 3:242CO 7:11TH 5:231JN 1:7Daniel Steele preaches on the concept of successive acts of sanctification, emphasizing the continuous present cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ, contrasting it with momentary and finished cleansing. He argues that the New Testament Greek supports the idea of successive persons being cleansed over time as believers grasp their full heritage in Christ. Steele challenges the belief in gradual sanctification, advocating for a decisive and instantaneous cleansing of spirit, soul, and body through specific acts of holiness.
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers Luke 17:11-19
By David Servant0MAT 8:2MRK 11:24LUK 17:11HEB 11:6JAS 5:15David Servant preaches on the story of the ten lepers who called on Jesus to be healed, highlighting their faith in His healing power. Their faith was evident in calling out to Jesus, obeying His instructions to go to the priests, and ultimately being healed. The one leper who returned to give thanks, a Samaritan, displayed even greater faith by obeying despite societal barriers. This story teaches us that God desires everyone to be healed and emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as our healer and acting on that faith.
We Exalt the Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord!
By David Wilkerson0The Touch of JesusHealingMAT 8:2David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' touch, recounting how He healed and restored those in need during His earthly ministry. He highlights that many today are longing for that same touch in times of loneliness, confusion, and mental distress, and reassures that Jesus responds to sincere cries for help. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek Jesus intimately, echoing the leper's plea for cleansing and healing. He reminds us that Jesus is always willing to touch and heal, responding to our cries with compassion and mercy. The sermon calls for an expectant faith, trusting in the Lord's ability to heal our minds, bodies, and spirits.
George Mueller; Hudson Taylor; Light From the Inner Chamber
By Andrew Murray0PrayerFaith in GodPSA 66:18MAT 6:6MAT 8:2MRK 9:24MRK 11:24LUK 18:7JHN 14:14ROM 13:81TI 2:41JN 5:14Andrew Murray emphasizes the powerful examples of George Mueller and Hudson Taylor in demonstrating the efficacy of prayer and faith in God. Mueller's unwavering belief in God's will to save and his commitment to prayer led to remarkable answers, including the salvation of thousands and the support of his orphanages. Similarly, Taylor's journey of faith began in England, where he learned to trust God for his needs before taking on the mission field in China, ultimately leading to the establishment of a significant missionary presence. Murray encourages believers to embrace the inner chamber of prayer, recognizing it as a vital source of strength and fellowship with God, while also acknowledging the deep sinfulness that often hinders this communion. He concludes with the hope found in Christ's grace, which empowers believers to overcome their shortcomings in prayer.
The Worshiping of Jesus
By M.P. Hayden02CH 7:3MAT 8:2JHN 9:351CO 14:24PHP 2:10M.P. Hayden preaches about presenting Jesus as an object of worship, focusing on Jesus the Nazarene, the Galilean prophet, who received divine homage from His disciples while on earth. The sermon delves into the meaning of 'worship' in the Bible, emphasizing the reverence and adoration due to the Supreme Ruler of the universe. Through a detailed examination of worship in the Old and New Testaments, the sermon highlights how Jesus accepted worship as God, indicating His divine nature and the importance of worshiping Him.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And, behold, there came a leper--"a man full of leprosy," says Luk 5:12. Much has been written on this disease of leprosy, but certain points remain still doubtful. All that needs be said here is that it was a cutaneous disease, of a loathsome, diffusive, and, there is reason to believe, when thoroughly pronounced, incurable character; that though in its distinctive features it is still found in several countries--as Arabia, Egypt, and South Africa--it prevailed, in the form of what is called white leprosy, to an unusual extent, and from a very early period, among the Hebrews; and that it thus furnished to the whole nation a familiar and affecting symbol of SIN, considered as (1) loathsome, (2) spreading, (3) incurable. And while the ceremonial ordinances for detection and cleansing prescribed in this case by the law of Moses (Lev. 13:1-14:57) held forth a coming remedy "for sin and for uncleanness" (Psa 51:7; Kg2 5:1, Kg2 5:7, Kg2 5:10, Kg2 5:13-14), the numerous cases of leprosy with which our Lord came in contact, and the glorious cures of them which He wrought, were a fitting manifestation of the work which He came to accomplish. In this view, it deserves to be noticed that the first of our Lord's miracles of healing recorded by Matthew is this cure of a leper. and worshipped him--in what sense we shall presently see. Mark says (Mar 1:40), he came, "beseeching and kneeling to Him," and Luke says (Luk 5:12), "he fell on his face." saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean--As this is the only cure of leprosy recorded by all the three first Evangelists, it was probably the first case of the kind; and if so, this leper's faith in the power of Christ must have been formed in him by what he had heard of His other cures. And how striking a faith is it! He does not say he believed Him able, but with a brevity expressive of a confidence that knew no doubt, he says simply, "Thou canst." But of Christ's willingness to heal him he was not so sure. It needed more knowledge of Jesus than he could be supposed to have to assure him of that. But one thing he was sure of, that He had but to "will" it. This shows with what "worship" of Christ this leper fell on his face before Him. Clear theological knowledge of the Person of Christ was not then possessed even by those who were most with Him and nearest to Him. Much less could full insight into all that we know of the Only-begotten of the Father be expected of this leper. But he who at that moment felt and owned that to heal an incurable disease needed but the fiat of the Person who stood before him, had assuredly that very faith in the germ which now casts its crown before Him that loved us, and would at any time die for His blessed name.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And behold there came a leper,.... As soon as he came down from the mountain, and whilst he was in the way; though Luke says, Luk 5:12 "when he was in a certain city"; in one of the cities of Galilee; one of their large towns, or unwalled cities, into which a leper might come: he might not come into walled (b) towns, at least they might turn him out, though without punishment: for the canon runs thus (c), "a leper that enters into Jerusalem is to be beaten; but if he enters into any of the other walled towns, though he has no right, as it is said, "he sitteth alone", he is not to be beaten.'' Besides, this leper, as Luke says, was "full of leprosy", Luk 5:12 see the note there; and he might be pronounced clean by the priest, though not healed, and so might go into any city or synagogue: the law concerning such an one, in Lev 13:1 is a very surprising one; that if only there were some risings and appearances of the leprosy here and there, the man was unclean; but if "the leprosy covered all his flesh", then he was pronounced clean; and such was this man: he was a very lively emblem of a poor vile sinner, full of sin and iniquity, who is brought to see himself all over covered with sin, when he comes to Christ for pardon and cleansing; and is so considered by Christ the high priest, when he applies his justifying righteousness and sin purging blood to his conscience. A leper, by the Jews (d), is called "a wicked" man; for they suppose leprosy comes upon him for evil speaking. This account is ushered in with a "behold", as a note of admiration and attention, expressing the wonderfulness of the miracle wrought, and the seasonableness of it to confirm the doctrines Christ had been preaching to the multitude. This man came of his own accord, having heard of the fame of Christ; and worshipped him in a civil and respectful way, showing great reverence to him as a man; which he did by falling down on his knees, and on his face; prostrating himself before him, in a very humble and submissive manner, as the other evangelists relate: for that he worshipped him as God, is not so manifest; though it is certain he had an high opinion of him, and great faith in him; which he very modestly expresses, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean: he was fully assured of his power, that he could make him clean, entirely rid him of his leprosy, which the priest could not do; who could only, according to the law, pronounce him clean, so that he might be admitted to company, but could not heal him of his disease: this the poor man was persuaded Christ could do for him, and humbly submits it to his will; of which, as yet, he had no intimation from him. And thus it is with poor sensible sinners under first awakenings; they can believe in the ability of Christ to justify them by his righteousness, cleanse them by his blood; and save them by his grace to the uttermost: but they stick at, and hesitate about his willingness, by reason of their own vileness and unworthiness. (b) Misn. Celim. c. 1. sect. 7. (c) Maimon. Biath Hamikdash, c. 3. sect. 8. & in Misn. Celim. c. 1. sect. 8. (d) Maimon. in Misn. Negaim, c. 12. sect. 5. & Bartenora in ib. sect. 6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:2 Leprosy refers to various skin diseases. Lepers were ceremonially unclean; they were excluded from society unless they became symptom-free and a priest pronounced them clean (see 8:4; Lev 14:2-32). On some occasions, leprosy was a judgment from God (Num 12:9-15; 2 Kgs 5:27; 15:5).