Attacking or discrediting the validity of the Scriptures, does not remove the internal knowledge in every man of “the right thing to do”. Nevertheless, understanding brings responsibility, so we seek to obtain evidence, to postpone the verdict; leaving the jury out, so to speak. When it comes to Jesus we know there is a cost to believing in him.
Jesus did not operate his ministry with modern evangelistic practice or accepted modern marketing practices. Jesus searched for men to whom he had been revealed by the Father. Remember when Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” It was a test. “Who do you say that I am?” Peter blurted, “Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.” Jesus did not commend the yeshiva or Sunday school class curriculum. Jesus declared plainly, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” “…Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ…”
Instructions were given to the healed leper to provide evidence to the temple priests. Jesus’ was seeking those to whom he had been revealed. Healing lepers, blind men and other miracles was an anticipated evidence of Messiah. Sadly, the leaders rejected Jesus as Messiah.
The echoes of “We will not have this man reign over us” resound to this day.
***
Chapter 11: JESUS HEALS A LEPER (Part 1)
WHILE JESUS was in one of the cities, a leper came to him. The diseased man knelt before him and besought his aid, saying:
“If thouwilt, thou canst make me clean.”
Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand and touched the leper, saying:
“I will; be thou clean.”
Immediately upon the words and the compassionate touch the leprosy left the man.
Jesus then instructed:
“See thou say nothing to any man. But go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.”
But the man did not control his tongue. He spoke widely of the event and the fame of Jesus spread so greatly that he could no longer openly enter the city. He remained outside and multitudes came to him from every direction.
***
Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16