Luke 5:14

“And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”

Context:To understand the significance of Luke 5:14, let’s look at the context. In this chapter, Jesus performs several miraculous healings, including the healing of a man with leprosy. This verse follows the healing of the leper.

The Healing of the Leper:Leprosy was a highly contagious and debilitating disease in biblical times. It was not only a physical ailment but also carried social and religious implications. In Jewish culture, those with leprosy were considered unclean and were required to be isolated from the community.

Jesus’ Compassion:In verse 12, the leper approaches Jesus, recognizing His authority and expressing faith in His ability to heal. He says, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” Jesus, moved with compassion, reaches out and touches the man, saying, “I will, be thou clean” (verse 13). This demonstrates Jesus’ willingness and power to heal even the most severe diseases.

Jesus’ Instructions:In verse 14, Jesus charges the healed leper not to tell anyone about the healing. Instead, Jesus instructs him to go and show himself to the priest and offer the necessary sacrifices for his cleansing, as prescribed by the Law of Moses (Leviticus 14:1-32). By doing this, the healed man would receive official certification from the priest, declaring his cleanliness and allowing him to reenter society.

Fulfillment of the Law:Jesus’ instruction to follow the requirements of the Law of Moses demonstrates His respect for the religious customs and laws of the time. It also emphasizes His role as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it perfectly through His life, death, and resurrection.

A Testimony:The final part of the verse states that the offering and cleansing of the healed leper would serve as a testimony to the priests. By complying with the religious rituals, the healed man would provide evidence of Jesus’ miraculous power and the fulfilment of the Law. It would challenge the religious authorities to recognise Jesus’ authority and the coming of the kingdom of God.