Matthew 8:4

“And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”

Context:Matthew 8 records various miracles performed by Jesus, including the healing of a leper. In verse 2, a leper approached Jesus, worshipped Him, and expressed his belief that Jesus could heal him. Moved with compassion, Jesus touched the leper and made him clean. In verse 4, Jesus gives him specific instructions.

The leper’s request:The leper’s approach to Jesus was an act of faith. Leprosy was considered an incurable disease during that time, and lepers were outcasts from society. The leper recognized Jesus’ authority and believed that He could heal him.

Jesus’ command:After healing the leper, Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone about the healing. This might seem unusual, as Jesus often performed miracles publicly. However, in this instance, Jesus wanted the healed man to follow a specific course of action.

Going to the priest:Jesus told the leper to go and show himself to the priest. This instruction was in accordance with the Mosaic law found in Leviticus 1According to the law, when a leper was healed, he had to be examined by the priest to confirm his cleanliness. This process involved offering specific sacrifices as prescribed by Moses.

The gift Moses commanded:Jesus directed the healed man to offer the gift that Moses commanded. This refers to the required offering as outlined in Leviticus 14:1-32. It involved presenting various offerings, including a lamb, a bird, and specific types of grain offerings.

A testimony unto them:Jesus instructed the leper to offer these sacrifices “for a testimony unto them.” By following the prescribed ritual, the leper would demonstrate to the priests the validity of his healing and fulfill the requirements of the law. It would serve as a testimony to the religious authorities and the people that Jesus had the power to heal and that He operated within the framework of the Mosaic law.

Key Lessons:

• Jesus cared for the marginalized:By healing the leper, Jesus showed compassion for an outcast of society. This reveals His love for the marginalized and His willingness to reach out to those in need.
• Jesus’ fulfillment of the law:Jesus affirmed the importance of the Mosaic law by instructing the leper to follow the proper procedure for his healing. He didn’t disregard the law but upheld it while demonstrating His authority as the one who could heal the incurable.
• Jesus’ desire for order:Jesus’ command for the leper to remain silent about his healing suggests that He desired order and obedience. While Jesus performed public miracles, He wanted the leper to adhere to the prescribed process, maintaining proper decorum and order.
• The importance of testimony:The healed leper’s obedience to Jesus’ instructions and his offering served as a testimony to the priests and the people. It demonstrated the power of Jesus and affirmed His authority as the Messiah.

Overall, Matthew 8:4 showcases Jesus’ compassion, His fulfilment of the law, His desire for order, and the significance of testimony in the process of healing and restoration.