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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Leper (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe leper who approached Jesus Christ was in a dire state due to his advanced disease, yet he found hope in the presence of this unique, godly Man. Having heard Jesus' message of hope, the leper sought out His help and was not disappointed. Jesus responded with kindness, saying, "I will," demonstrating His willingness to cleanse him. Instantly, the leprosy vanished, and the man was restored to full health. The humble leper displayed notable virtues in his approach to Christ. His sincerity was evident as he earnestly implored Jesus, determined to reach Him despite the crowd and the shame of his condition. He showed reverence by bowing before Jesus, honoring Him with a humble posture. The leper's faithfulness was clear in his words, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean," reflecting trust in Jesus' power while submitting to His will. He manifested truthfulness by openly acknowledging his uncleanness, asking to be cleansed rather than merely healed. Finally, the leper exhibited wisdom by choosing to seek help from Jesus, the only One who could truly cleanse him.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Leper (Part Three)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the healing of a leper, Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand, touched the afflicted man, and declared, 'I am willing; be cleansed.' Through this act, the physical cleansing of the leper manifested God's grace, power, and faithful word. Christ's love and mercy shone forth in His compassionate response and in the touch that demonstrated His immediate power to heal. The cleansing occurred instantly upon His touch, revealing God's undeniable intervention in the miracle. Furthermore, the Word of God played a vital role in this cleansing, as His spoken command was essential to the act of healing. After the healing, Jesus strictly instructed the man to say nothing to anyone but to show himself to the priest and offer the required gift as a witness of what had been done. However, the healed leper disregarded this command and spread the news, causing large crowds to pursue Jesus for healing, which hindered His ability to enter the city openly and forced Him to remain in deserted places.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Leper (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsDuring His ministry, Christ healed people of leprosy on two occasions. The first instance, where He healed a single man, is recorded in Matthew 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, and Luke 5:12-16, with the accounts providing a fuller picture through their combined details. The second healing involved ten lepers and is documented solely in Luke 17:12-19. Leprosy, a dreadful affliction in ancient times, was akin to what is now known as Hansen's Disease, a severe infection that disfigures and destroys the body. Though not highly contagious, it spreads through an infected person's secretions. In biblical times, it was widely believed that only God could heal leprosy, underscoring the significance of Christ's miracles in demonstrating His divine authority. Luke describes the first leper as full of the disease, implying he was near death and living in isolation, forced to cover his mouth and cry, "Unclean, unclean," as mandated by Leviticus 13:45. In performing this healing, Christ showcased God's power in a hopeless situation, affirming that divine intervention often shines brightest in the direst circumstances.
The Gift of a Leper
Article by StaffThe leper's healing teaches that, while Jesus freely healed the man, his cleansing was not really free. The gift he was told to present contains vital instruction.
Faith in the Healer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must establish an iron clad trust in God for spiritual matters, including healing, rather than having a misguided trust in self or other human beings.
Spiritual Leprosy in the End-Time Church
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThere are parallels in the purification ritual in Leviticus and our cleansing from sin, which we could compare to spiritual leprosy.
Faith and Prayer
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConstant, earnest prayer keeps faith alive and makes certain the receiving of the qualities that make us in the image of God. God's purpose comes first.
Why Did the Jews Hate Jesus?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elites' jealousy over losing political power fueled their hatred of Jesus. Conflict between those who have power and those who want it is a way of life.
Examine Yourself
Sermon by James BeaubelleJesus kept the two great commandments flawlessly, providing us an example. These two great commandments are where most of our self-examination should revolve.