Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 17:11-17
Fast Facts
- Leprosy is a dreadful, horrifying, and flesh-destroying disease. Those who contracted in Bible times were considered to have received a death sentence.
- In Leviticus 13-14, God gave specific instructions to Israel on what to do with those who contracted leprosy. Due to its contagion, lepers were to be cast out and held in isolation.
- Jesus demonstrated power over while walking on the earth. Whereas all of Israel avoided lepers, Jesus gave attention to them. Jesus touched them. He talked with them. He even showed mercy and healed them!
- Three of the gospel writers record the incident in which showed mercy and compassion on a leper in Galilee (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-14). After cleansing the sick man, Jesus commanded Him not to tell anyone of the miracle. Instead, “Go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, just as Moses commanded, as a testimony to them” (Luke 5:14).
- When passing between Samaria and Galilee, Jesus healed ten lepers who begged for His mercy. Unfortunately, only one returned to give Him thanks. It was the Samaritan!
Study Questions
- What was leprosy, and how could it be identified (Leviticus 13-14).
- Describe the attitude of the leper that approached Jesus in Matthew 8:1-4. What led Jesus to cleanse him?
- What instructions did Jesus give the healed man in Matthew 8:4? Why?
- How many lepers asked Jesus to heal them in Luke 17:11-19? Describe the process Jesus used to heal these men? What was unique about the one man who gave thanks?
- What does Jesus’ power to heal leprosy demonstrate about Him?
