A Leper Is Cleansed

Of all the diseases known in the East, leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable, contagious character, and its horrible effect on its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence was called “the stroke,” “the finger of God.” Deep-rooted, ineradicable, deadly, it was looked upon as a symbol of sin.MHH 30.7

By ritual law the leper was pronounced unclean. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by his breath. Like one already dead, he was shut out from society and home. One who was suspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests, who were to examine and decide his case. If pronounced a leper, he was isolated from his family, cut off from the congregation of Israel, and doomed to associate only with those who were similarly afflicted. Even kings and rulers were not exempt. A monarch attacked by this terrible disease must yield his throne and flee from society.MHH 31.1

Away from friends and kindred, the leper must bear the curse of his malady. He was obliged to declare his condition, rend his clothes, and sound the alarm, warning all to flee from his contaminating presence. The cry “Unclean! unclean!” coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile, was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence.MHH 31.2

In the region of Christ’s ministry were many of these sufferers, and as the news of His work reaches them, faith begins to spring up in the heart of one man. If he could go to Jesus, he might be healed. But how can he find Jesus? Doomed as he is to perpetual isolation, how can he present himself to the Healer? And will Christ heal him? Will He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse on him and warn him to keep away from places where people congregate?MHH 31.3

He thinks of all he has been told of Jesus. Not a single person who has asked His help has been turned away. The wretched man determines to find the Savior. Though forbidden to enter the cities, it may be that he can cross the Healer’s path on some mountain trail or find Him as He is teaching outside the towns. The difficulties are great, but this is his only hope.MHH 31.4

Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Savior’s lips. He sees Him laying His hands on the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rise up in health, praising God for deliverance. His faith strengthens. Nearer and yet nearer he approaches the listening crowd. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, and the fear with which everyone regards him—all are forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing.MHH 31.5

He is a loathsome spectacle. His decaying body is repulsive. At sight of him the people fall back. In their terror they crowd upon one another to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. He sees only the Son of God, he hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying.MHH 31.6

Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, “‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’”MHH 31.7

Jesus replies, “‘I am willing; be cleansed,’” and lays His hand upon him. Matthew 8:2, 3.MHH 31.8

Immediately a change passes over the leper. His blood becomes healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The unnaturally white, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappears, and his flesh becomes as the flesh of a little child.MHH 32.1

If the priests were to learn the facts concerning the healing of the leper, their hatred of Christ might lead them to render a dishonest sentence. Jesus desired that an impartial decision be secured. He therefore advised the man to tell no one of the cure but without delay present himself at the temple with an offering before rumors concerning the miracle are spread abroad. Before the priests could accept such an offering, they were required to examine the offerer and certify his complete recovery.MHH 32.2

This examination was made. The priests who earlier had condemned the leper to banishment testified to his cure. The healed man was restored to his home and society. He rejoiced in the vigor of manhood and in being restored to his family.MHH 32.3

Notwithstanding the caution of Jesus, the man could no longer conceal the fact of his cure, and joyfully he went about proclaiming the power of the One who had made him whole.MHH 32.4

When this man came to Jesus, he was “full of leprosy.” Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples tried to prevent their Master from touching him, for anyone who touched a leper became unclean. But in laying His hand on the leper, Jesus received no defilement. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin—deep-rooted, deadly, impossible to be cleansed by human power. “The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faints. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores.” Isaiah 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence provides healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean,” shall hear the answer, “I am willing. Be cleansed.”MHH 32.5

In some instances, Jesus did not at once grant healing. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than what we ask for. But not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Galatians 1:4. “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15.MHH 32.6

Jesus looked on the distressed and heart-burdened, those whose hopes were disappointed, and who with earthly joys were seeking to quiet the longing of the soul, and He invited all to find rest in Him.MHH 32.7