Jesus went about all Galilee demonstrating his authority, his mission and his ministry. It was the expectation of Jesus that the religious leaders would recognize him by revelation or by faith because of the works he did.
In this chapter, Jesus instructed the healed leper to show himself to the priests and tell no one. However, rather than keep silent, the leper told everyone what happened to him. The objective of Jesus was to win the priests. The leper’s press release caused crowds to form around Jesus and hinder the ministry planned for the area. Additionally, the increase in popularity created envy in the church leadership.
Do you know what Jesus said? Do you know what Jesus did? Do you know what Jesus said to do?
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Chapter 11: Jesus Heals A Leper (Part 2)
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.
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Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16