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Observe here, 1. The petitioner, that in a very humble and submissive manner sues unto Christ for cure and healing: A leper fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
He does not question Christ's power, but distrusts his willingness to help and heal him. Christ's divine power must be fully assented to, and firmly believed, by all those that expect benefit by him, and healing from him.
Observe, 2. The great readiness of Christ to help and heal this distressed person: Jesus touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.
By the ceremonial law, the leper was forbidden to be touched; therefore Christ touching this leper, shows himself to be above the law; that he was the Lord of it, and might dispense with it. And his healing this leper, by the word of his mouth and the touch of his hand, showed him to be truly and really sent of God; for leprosy among the Jews was accounted an incurable distemper, called the finger of God; a disease of his sending, and of his removing.
Our Saviour, therefore, as a proof of his being the Messiah, tells John's disciples, That the lepers were cleansed, and the dead raised by him; Mat_11:5 which two being joined together, do imply, that the cleansing of the leper is as much an act of divine power, as the raising of the dead; and accordingly, it is said, Am I God, that this man sends unto me to cure a person of his leprosy? 2Ki_5:7
Observe, 3. The certainty and the suddenness of the cure was a farther proof of Christ's divine power; Immediately the leprosy departed. Christ not only cured him immediately, but instantaneously; not only without means, but without the ordinary time required for such a cure. Thus Christ showed both power and will to cure him miraculously, who believed his power, but questioned his willingness.
Observe, 4. A twofold charge and command given by Christ to the leper.
1. To tell it to no man. Where the great modesty, piety, and humility of our Saviour are discovered, together with the prudent care he took of his own safety: his modesty, in concealing his own praises; his humility, in shunning all vain-glorious applause and commendation; his piety, in referring all the honor and glory to God his Father; and the care of his own safety appeared, lest the publishing of his miracle should create untimely danger from the Pharisees.
2. The next part of the charge given to the recovered leper, is, to go and show himself to the priest, and to offer the gift which Moses commanded for a testimony unto them; that is, to testify to the Jews, that he did not oppose the ceremonial law, which required a thank- offering at his hand; and also that the miracle might testify that he was the true and promised Messiah.
Learn hence, that our blessed Saviour would have the ceremonial law punctually observed, so long as the time of its continuance did endure; though he came to destroy that law, yet while it stood he would have it exactly observed. See note on St.Mat_8:2