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I. THE LEPER'S OPPORTUNITY. Let every hearer of the word follow Jesus Christ till he finds Him in secret.

II. THE LEPER'S DEFILIMENT.

1. The disease of leprosy seems to have appeared first in Israel while in the land of Egypt, the earliest notice of it being in the leprous hand of Moses. Sin, like leprosy, is deeply hereditary. It spreads corruption and dissolution through the entire body. It was viewed with the hopelessness of death.

2. The leprosy, selected by God as the special type of sin, #as more than other diseases sent immediately from heaven as the express punishment of sin. Thus with Gehazi.

3. The leper, alone of all the sick, was shut out from the camp of Israel. The sinner excluded from holy fellowship.

4. The leper was appointed to bewail himself as one already dead; he was to become his own mourner (Leviticus 13:45). These were three of the chief symbols of sorrow for the dead. The leprous sinner is dead, while he lives.

III. THE LEPER'S PRAYER.

1. He was convinced of Christ's ability to heal him. This the chief element of saving faith.

2. There is an appeal to the compassionate will of Jesus.

IV. THE LEPER'S CLEANSING.

1. Jesus is moved with compassion, touches, and cleanses.

2. The thanksgiving is seasonable and acceptable in one case; the gratitude, unwise and not obedient in the other. The case of the ten lepers.

(A. Moody Stuart.)

I. THE INDIVIDUAL REFERRED TO — "a leper." No condition more awful and distressing. Striking representation of sin. Leprosy was generally hereditary; small in its first appearance, deep-seated and inveterate in its nature, universal in its prevalence, loathsome in its appearance, excluded from society, incurable by human power, and generally produced a most awful death.

II. His ADDRESS TO THE REDEEMER. It was an address of humble respect, associated with faith, affecting appeal to his misery and Christ's goodness.

III. THE CONDUCT OF THE SAVIOUR. Responded to his appeal; His word was omnific and conveyed His healing power; He put forth His hand to testify to his cleanness; He sent him to the priest that his recovery might be duly attested; He was to present a gift unto the Lord. See how you are to obtain healing and purity. See the way in which Christ will receive you.

1. Bless God for health of body.

2. Especially be anxious for health of soul.

3. Praise God for the means of spiritual health and felicity.

4. Come and be healed.

(J. Barnis, LL. D.)

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KJV: When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

WEB: When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.