Studies 5

The Compassion Of Christ - 5

The Bible tells us in Matthew 8:1-4, a leper came to Jesus, it must have a very difficult thing for him to do as, lepers were treated as outcasts and had to live alone, outside the community. Leviticus 13:44-46

A leper was declared spiritually dead. He had to wear a black garment so all the people might recognise him as unclean. A leper was forced to live with other lepers in a leper house. He was not allowed to attend church services but could see the service through a hole. The Jewish historian, Josephus, says in his book, that the lepers were treated like dead men.

No leper could come near a rabbi. The penalty for coming into the community was death by stoning. Yet this leper seemed to have perfect confidence and faith in Jesus’ power.

The Bible says, without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrew 11:6

He knew Jesus could do, what others had failed to do and that was to help and heal him.

The first step to receiving your healing is to have perfect confidence and faith in Jesus.

Secondly this leper not only came with perfect confidence and faith, he also approached Jesus with reverence and humility. The Bible says in Matthew 8:2, “Behold a leper came and worshipped him”. Jesus is worthy of all praise and worship. He is the great “I am who I am”. He is the alpha and the omega.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land”--.

Thirdly the leper did not demand healing, he said,” lord if you are willing you can make me clean”.

He did not say you have healed others and I want to claim what is right fully mine. He knew, he was nobody but an unclean, outcast and had been declared dead in the eyes of the world, and especially by the religious leaders of the day. However, this leper knew that Jesus was the son of God and that was the reason why he was able to approach Jesus with such confidence. He knew that God was a God of miracles and full of compassion.

He probably said to himself, I know people will flee from me. Jesus, I know you have the right to throw stones at me, but I also know you have the power to heal me if you want to.

Bible tells us in Matthew 8:3, “Then Jesus put out his hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed, immediately his leprosy was cleansed”.

He was fulfilling the Old Testament, “I am the Lord that healeth thee”, Exodus 15:26

The touch of Jesus is the greatest touch in the whole world.

Just as Jesus touched the leper to heal him, He wants to touch you, He wants to make you whole.

You may be suffering from the power of sin, power of sickness and power of depression.

The bible says, by his stripes we are healed, 1 Peter 2:24

Bible tells in Matthew 8:4,

“And Jesus said to him, see that you tell no one; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them”.

Jesus said, go and show yourself to the priest. Once you are healed physically and spiritually you go and tell others as a testimony, for what the lord Jesus has done for you. One of the greatest miracle could ever take place in your life, is the healing of your soul and physical healing will follow you.

All those who have read this message and want spiritual healing, then please use the following prayer to pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,

I have heard Your Word and know that I am a sick in my soul, I need your healing and Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my personal lord and saviour.

In Your mighty name I ask this. Amen.