Topical Bible: Glorifying God: The Leper Whom Jesus Healed

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the leper whom Jesus healed is a profound illustration of faith, divine compassion, and the glorification of God. This narrative is found in the Synoptic Gospels, with a detailed account in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 5:12-16), and is also mentioned in Matthew 8:1-4 and Mark 1:40-45. The account highlights the transformative power of Jesus' ministry and the appropriate response of glorifying God.

Biblical Account

In Luke 5:12-16 , the narrative begins with Jesus encountering a man "full of leprosy" in one of the towns. The leper, recognizing Jesus' authority and power, falls facedown and implores Him, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." This plea is a testament to the leper's faith, acknowledging both Jesus' ability and His sovereignty in choosing to heal.

Moved with compassion, Jesus reaches out and touches the man, saying, "I am willing. Be clean!" Immediately, the leprosy leaves the man, demonstrating Jesus' divine authority over physical ailments and His willingness to restore those who seek Him in faith. The act of touching the leper is significant, as leprosy rendered individuals ceremonially unclean, and touching them was prohibited under Mosaic Law. Jesus' touch not only heals but also signifies His power to transcend and fulfill the Law.

Response and Glorification

After the healing, Jesus instructs the man to tell no one but to "go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift Moses prescribed, as a testimony to them" (Luke 5:14). This command underscores the importance of adhering to the Law and serves as a testimony to the priests of Jesus' messianic authority. The healed leper's obedience to this command would have been a powerful witness to the religious leaders of the time.

Despite Jesus' instruction to remain silent, the news of the healing spreads rapidly, and "great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses" (Luke 5:15). The leper's healing becomes a catalyst for others to seek Jesus, thereby glorifying God through the increased recognition of Jesus' divine mission.

Theological Significance

The healing of the leper is rich with theological implications. It illustrates the nature of Jesus' ministry as one of compassion and restoration. The leper's faith and Jesus' response highlight the necessity of faith in approaching God. Furthermore, the act of healing and the subsequent glorification of God through the spread of Jesus' fame emphasize the purpose of miracles in the Gospels: to reveal the kingdom of God and to draw people to faith.

The narrative also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of encountering Christ. The leper's physical healing is symbolic of the spiritual cleansing available to all who come to Jesus in faith. The glorification of God is the ultimate response to His work in the world, as individuals recognize His authority and grace.

Conclusion

The account of the leper whom Jesus healed is a powerful testament to the compassion and authority of Christ. It calls believers to respond in faith and to glorify God through the testimony of His works. The narrative continues to inspire and challenge Christians to seek Jesus with the same faith and to proclaim His power and love to the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 17:15
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... Those whom Jesus called were fishermen, sturdy, independent, fearless ... The leper was
an outcast; he was compelled to ... departed to his house, glorifying God.26 And ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

Jesus and his Fellow Townsmen.
... Nazareth indeed prove, to their self-glorifying satisfaction, the ... of famine, than
a worshipper of the true God! a leper of Damascus less displeasing to God ...
/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/jesus and his fellow townsmen.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... of Jesus as he saw this restored leper lying at ... received his sight, and followed
him, glorifying God: and all ... people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
... The healing of the leper created such excitement that for some time, several ... c
glorifying God. ... And amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God [The "all ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxv jesus heals a paralytic.htm

First Forgiveness, Then Healing
... he lay, and departed to his own house glorifying God." I think I ... God grant that it
may be, for his dear Son's sake! ... A leper was a being from whom all kept clear ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/first forgiveness then healing.htm

God's Gentle Power
... holy in it, anything noble in it, anything that will be glorifying to God? ... Say, with
the leper, "Unclean ... Say it now, and God help you, "God be merciful to me a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... my tongue, which is the instrument of glorifying thee ... back, and with a loud voice
glorified God.' Luke 17 ... The leper's thankful heart was a greater blessing than ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm