THE MAN WITH LEPROSY

​Note 1 - Matthew 8:2
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Matthew 8:2 And behold, a leper came up to Him and, prostrating himself, worshiped Him, saying, Lord, if You are willing, You are able to cleanse me by curing me (AMP).
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The story begins with Jesus healing a man afflicted with leprosy. To fully appreciate this miracle, it's crucial to understand what leprosy is and the profound impact it has on both the body and an individual's relationship with their community. This context highlights the significance and the remarkable power Jesus demonstrated in this act of healing.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia describes leprosy as "a slowly progressing and intractable disease." In simple terms, it is difficult to control or manage. The disease resists governance, management, and direction, with no available relief, remedy, or cure. Coping with it is like dealing with a stubborn or difficult person.

Compared to other diseases, leprosy deems a person unclean. Anyone who comes into contact with a leper is also considered defiled. Consequently, relationships are strained, with some permanently altered or lost due to the disease. Many have been ostracized from their families and communities because of its devastating effects.
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When a person recovers from leprosy, they are once again considered clean. In contrast, someone cured of any other disease is simply referred to as healed. For example, in Numbers 12:13 and Luke 12:15, both Miriam and the Samaritan are described as healed after their recovery.
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How leprosy progress

Leprosy begins on the skin and gradually invades the tissues, bones, joints, marrow, and organs, eventually causing the entire body to deteriorate. It progressively damages all the body's organs, impairing the ability to speak, hear, and see, ultimately leading to death. It is believed to spread not through contact but through blood and secretions.

We must remember that, in some contexts, leprosy symbolizes sin—the most severe form of disease. It was used and established by God, and thus, it could only be cured through God's power.

Leprosy serves as a marker of disgrace and shame, forcing individuals into isolation and separating them from God, rendering them spiritually unfit and dead. Those afflicted are pronounced unclean and deformed, leading to their banishment.
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Consider Matthew 8:2, which describes a leper approaching and worshiping Jesus. The key to his healing was worship. However, it’s important to remember that in places of worship, such as churches, healing can only occur if the presence of Jesus is there. The leper said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." He stood before the man with the power to heal him, and he experienced healing.