Holy Boldness

if you are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2) In this first miracle, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy to “preach the gospel to the poor” for lepers were the poorest of the poor; they were considered unclean and therefore found themselves isolated and disen franchised. They were subjected to detailed regulations by the law. They had to be examined by priests to determine if they had leprosy. If they tested positive, they were forced to live “outside the camp” according to Lev. 13:46. A leper approached Jesus, which was a courageous act since lepers were ceremonially unclean. As he approached, however, he humbled himself and made both a bold confession and a veiled request. He bowed before Jesus, addressed Him as the Lord, and confessed his faith in Jesus’ ability to heal him if He was willing. This was both a statement of faith and an appeal for mercy. Jesus responded by reaching out, touching Him (a forbidden act), and declaring, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Jesus’ response was disarmingly simple: “I am willing, be healed.” It makes such a statement about the heart of God. Immediately the leper was cleansed and healed. In so doing, Jesus not only healed the man physically but actually restored community to the man who was forced to live on the outskirts of society. Imagine the impact! Jesus’ miracles were beyond signs and wonders. They were about the restoration of the purpose of God through acts of mercy, fellowship, camaraderie, and supernatural power. He did not only heal a man’s disease, but He also restored His culture. Jesus told him to tell no one but sent him to show himself to the priest and present the appropriate thank-offering according to the law (Lev. 14) “as a testimony to them.” To whom? The priests! Jesus sought to make clear to the religious leaders that His ministry was based securely on the tradition of the scriptures. Jesus established His ministry within the boundaries of the law to give evidence to the fact that He came “not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.” (Matt 5:17) Jesus was careful to do things according to the law, even when He seemed to break the traditions of the religious elders. Jesus often indicated that His keeping of the law was truer to the intention and spirit of the law than the religious leaders of His day. Jesus walked in authority because He was under authority.

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