Topical Bible: All Christians should be As Missionaries: Leper

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In the biblical context, leprosy is more than a physical ailment; it is a profound symbol of sin and separation from God and community. The leper, often ostracized and marginalized, represents the brokenness of humanity and the need for divine intervention. The Bible provides numerous accounts of lepers, illustrating both the physical and spiritual healing that comes through faith and the power of God.

Biblical Accounts of Lepers

One of the most notable accounts is found in the Gospels, where Jesus heals a leper who approaches Him with faith. In Matthew 8:2-3 , it is written: "Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, 'Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.' Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'be clean!' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." This passage highlights the compassion of Christ and His willingness to restore those who are deemed untouchable by society.

In the Old Testament, the account of Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, is another significant narrative. Despite his status, Naaman suffered from leprosy and sought healing from the prophet Elisha. Following Elisha's instructions, Naaman washed in the Jordan River and was miraculously healed (2 Kings 5:1-14). This account underscores the importance of obedience and faith in God's power to heal and restore.

Leprosy as a Metaphor for Sin

Leprosy in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for sin, illustrating the pervasive and isolating nature of sin in human life. Just as leprosy separates individuals from their communities, sin separates humanity from God. The cleansing of lepers by Jesus symbolizes the spiritual cleansing available to all through repentance and faith in Christ.

The Call to Be Missionaries

The healing of lepers by Jesus and His disciples serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian call to mission. In Matthew 10:8 , Jesus commands His disciples: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." This directive emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to reach out to those who are marginalized and in need of healing, both physically and spiritually.

Christians are called to emulate Jesus' example by extending love, compassion, and the message of salvation to all, including those who are considered outcasts. The leper's account is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the role of believers as agents of God's grace and mercy in the world.

Practical Implications for Christians

In practical terms, being a missionary like Jesus involves engaging with those who are marginalized, offering hope and healing through the message of the Gospel. It requires stepping beyond comfort zones to touch the lives of those who are often ignored or shunned by society. This mission is not limited to distant lands but begins in local communities, where the love of Christ can be demonstrated through acts of kindness, service, and the proclamation of truth.

The example of Jesus healing the leper challenges Christians to confront societal barriers and prejudices, reaching out to those who are spiritually and physically in need. By doing so, believers fulfill the Great Commission, bringing the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of His healing touch.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907.
... manner; arranged that their Provincial Synod should meet once ... curse of Palestine;
and the only Christians who are ... Above all, the Moravian Church is united in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/book four the modern moravians.htm

The Problem of Foreign Missions
... shortness of my visit to China, I should feel it ... Church in the world are busy all
over the land, and small congregations of native Christians are springing ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the problem of foreign missions.htm

Daniel and the Village Priest.
... officiated daily, lest the idol in it should also be ... After he had answered all the
questions proposed to ... voluntarily took food with the other Christians, as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hodson/old daniel/chapter nineteen daniel and the.htm

The Church and Social Evils
... And so, lastly, such sympathy should be the parent of ... here, that the bulk of professing
Christians shall recognise ... church does not face these, well, all I can ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the church and social evils.htm