How does Matthew 8:4 emphasize obedience to the Law of Moses? Setting the Scene “Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ He said, ‘be clean.’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest and present the offering prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.’ ” (Matthew 8:3-4) Key Phrase: “Show yourself to the priest” • Direct reference to Leviticus 14, where God lays out an eight-day purification ritual for healed lepers • Requires inspection by a priest, sacrificial offerings, and ceremonial washings • Underscores that the Mosaic instructions remained in force until the cross (cf. Galatians 4:4) Why Jesus Gives This Command • Vindicates the healing as genuine—priests served as public health officials • Honors God’s previously revealed law, which Jesus came “not to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17) • Keeps the man from premature publicity that could hinder Jesus’ ministry timetable (“See that you tell no one”) • Provides a testimony to the religious leaders that Messiah has power over uncleanness How the Verse Emphasizes Obedience • Jesus heals by grace, yet immediately directs the recipient to lawful obedience—grace never negates God’s commands • The man’s first step of post-healing freedom is submission to Scripture’s requirements • Demonstrates that faith expresses itself through action (James 1:22) Related Passages Reinforcing the Pattern • Luke 17:14—Jesus sends ten lepers to the priests before they even see healing • Leviticus 14:2-32—detailed steps the healed man must follow; Jesus cites this implicitly • Hebrews 7:26-28—Christ fulfills priestly and sacrificial roles, yet He still upholds their intent until His atoning work is complete Takeaways for Today • Salvation in Christ frees us from sin but leads us toward, not away from, God’s revealed will • Obedience validates the work God has done in us, becoming “a testimony to them”—a witness to watching observers • Respect for Scripture’s authority remains foundational, even when cultural pressures suggest otherwise Living It Out • Align your response to God’s work in your life with clear biblical directives • Let your obedience serve as visible evidence of Christ’s transforming power • Remember: grace and law are not adversaries; grace empowers heartfelt, Scripture-honoring obedience |
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