Mark 1:40-41 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
The leper of Bible times was a walking illustration of the effects of sin. Leprosy was not only a “plague” but was also a form of being “unclean.” This is why Scriptures always say that Jesus “cleansed” the lepers not that He “healed” them (Lev. 13-14; Duet. 24:8). Jesus cleansed the leper to demonstrate His cleansing power over sin.
The Corruption of Leprosy
Leprosy is an internal disease for which there is no topical remedy. The cure only comes from a change within.
Leprosy manifests itself by deadening the nerves. Missing fingers and toes are common with the disease because the nervous system of the victims have been compromised and cannot warn them when they are injuring themselves.
Easton Bible Dictionary describes leprosy as it spreads: This disease “begins with specks on the eyelids and on the palms, gradually spreading over the body, bleaching the hair white wherever they appear, crusting the affected parts with white scales, and causing terrible sores and swellings. From the skin the disease eats inward to the bones, rotting the whole body piecemeal.”
Sin likewise deadens the conscience (I Tim. 4:2). The subject of sin is wounded by self-inflicting injuries. Sin also spreads and thoroughly rots the infected person until his life is unrecognizable.
The Separation of Leprosy
The leper in Christ’s day would have to notify and confirm his disease with the priest. He would then have to say goodbye to his family and friends and the synagogue where he worshipped. The leper would move outside the city; and any time he saw a passerby, he would holler “unclean!” “unclean!” while keeping his garment above his upper lip. (Lev. 13) This terrible disease tore apart his family, his relationships, and even ruined his ability to go to the synagogue or the temple.
Sin also corrupts and separates. Think for example of King David when he committed his sin with Bathsheba. Sin entered in, then it corrupted and separated not one but two families. Sin defiles and destroys our relationship to our fellow man. Sin severs our relationship with God. It separates the lost from salvation and saints from meaningful fellowship with their Heavenly Father.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
The Cleansing of Leprosy
The Children of Israel must have been terrified at the prospect of contracting leprosy. As Christians, we should look at sin with the same horror; and when we find it in our lives, run to Jesus for cleansing.
The Great Physician has the power to cleanse with just his touch. Jesus, the Holy Son of God, touched the unclean leper and healed him. What a beautiful picture of the cross!
The leper was healed because he asked Jesus to cleanse him, and cleansing from sin is no different. We can try to wash ourselves in good works, baptism, church membership etc.…but only Christ has the power to forgive and cleanse. Look to Jesus in faith for cleansing.
Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The leper’s family must have laughed and cried when they saw him coming home. With the rottenness of the disease healed, fellowship could be restored; and they could rejoice with the Prodigal Son’s father. When his son was cured from sin, he said:
Luke 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
THE TWENTY ONE BIBLE LEPERS:
1.) Moses – Shows the seat of sin is in the heart. (Exodus 4:6)
2.) Miram – The sin of jealousy. (Numbers 12:1)
3.) Naaman – The sin of pride. (II Kings 5:1)
4.) Ghazi – The sin of covetousness. (II Kings 5:20)
5-8.) The four lepers – Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. (II Kings 7:4)
9.) Uzziah – Sin separates. (II Chronicles 26:21)
10.) The Worshipping Leper – God saves sinners that come to Him. (Mark 1:40-41)
11.) Simon – God restores fellowship. (Matthew 26:6)
12-21.) The Samaritan Leper – one in ten cleansed lepers showed gratitude. (Luke 17:15-17)