MPV Commentary

The time of this miracle is specified here, which makes it difficult to place in Mark and Luke where no such precise note of time is given.

1. When Jesus came down from the mountain, a large crowd followed him.

2. A man with leprosy approached him. Leprosy was a cutaneous disease characterized by its loathsome, diffusive, and incurable nature. Although it still exists in some parts of the world, it prevailed extensively among the Hebrews from an early period, serving as a symbol of sin: loathsome, spreading, and incurable. The ceremonial laws for detecting and cleansing leprosy (Leviticus 13-14) pointed to a future remedy for sin and uncleanness (Psalm 51:7; 2 Kings 5:1, 7, 10, 13, 14). Jesus' numerous encounters with leprosy cases and his miraculous cures demonstrated the work He came to accomplish.

The man worshipped Jesus, falling on his face before him. Mark notes that he came "beseeching and kneeling" (Mark 1:40), while Luke says he fell on his face (Luke 5:12). The man's faith in Christ's power was likely formed from what he had heard about His other cures.

The man said, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." This shows a striking faith, as he confidently expressed his belief in Christ's ability to heal him. However, he was uncertain about Jesus' willingness to do so. The man's worship of Jesus demonstrates that he recognized the Person standing before him had the power to heal an incurable disease with just His will.

3. Moved by compassion, Jesus reached out and touched the man, despite the fact that such contact would have caused ceremonial defilement (Leviticus 5:3). The man's faith transcended the Levitical regulations, as he believed Jesus could overcome them.

Jesus said, "I will; be clean." By not assuring the man of His power to heal him, Jesus confirmed the man's previous confession of that power. By assuring him of His willingness to do so, Jesus made a claim as divine as the cure that followed.

Immediately, the man's leprosy was cleansed. Mark notes that this happened "as soon as He had spoken" (Mark 1:42), emphasizing the instantaneous nature of the healing.

4. Jesus strictly instructed the man and immediately sent him away. He said, "See to it that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing." This instruction may seem harsh, especially considering the natural response to such a miraculous event would be to share it with others.

However, Jesus' intention was not to suppress the news entirely. He wanted the man to serve as a testimony to the priests and the people that the Great Healer had indeed come (Matthew 8:4). The man's subsequent actions, as recorded by Mark, demonstrate how he disregarded Jesus' instruction and began to spread the news, which ultimately led to Jesus being unable to enter the city openly.

Jesus withdrew from the popular excitement into a secret place of prayer, retreating from the crowd just as He had done on other occasions (Matthew 12:19). This withdrawal allowed Him to come forth in strength and sweetness, much like dew upon the mown grass or showers that water the earth (Psalm 72:6).