Dr Tom Hover
May 25, 2025
Matthew 8:1-4 / Matthew 8:5 -13
THE SAVIOUR’S CLEANSING TOUCH! / THE HEALING OF THE CENTURION’S SERVANT
THE SAVIOUR’S CLEANSING TOUCH!
Jesus Heals a Leper Matthew 8:1-4
Introduction: What was it like to live with leprosy in Jesus’ time? A leper was considered physically unclean—and contagious—as well as spiritually unclean. That meant a leper was completely shunned from normal activities of community life and banned from inclusion in worship in the temple or any synagogue. The leper couldn’t hold a job, couldn’t live in a home with non-lepers (including his or her own family), couldn’t shop in a market, couldn’t own property, couldn’t touch or hug or hold hands. Nothing. The leper’s only option was begging for scraps, isolation, and waiting to physically deteriorate and die. This was the terrible situation of the man who came to Jesus, begging to be healed. Christ’s response was compassion—and healing.
I. THE LEPER CAME TO JESUS WORSHIPING
Matthew 8:2 “And, behold, there came a leper and worshiped Him,”
II. THE LEPER CAME TO JESUS PLEADING
Matthew 8:2 “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”
This is not a Question from this Leper. It was a statement of Faith rooted in the facts of who Jesus is! “Lord”
III. THE LEPER RECEIVED A CLEANING TOUCHED FROM JESUS! Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched Him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
A. It Was a Compassionate Touch Mark 1:41-45 (vs.41)
Mark writings alone have the significant words, Matthew 8:1–4 gives no obvious reason for Jesus’ decision to heal, except that the man with leprosy asked. However, Matthew indicates elsewhere that compassion was Christ’s ongoing motivation for healing (see Matthew 9:35–36; 14:14; 15:32–38; 20:29–34, Mark 1:41-45). That compassion was justified, especially considering these awful facts about living with leprosy in those days.
B. It Was a Cleansing Touch Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched Him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. The act before the word. This was His immediate answer to the leper’s “if.” That touch was everything to the lonely outcast. Then the word; how apt! “I will;” exactly it meets and yet overpasses the leper’s prayer.
IV. THE LEPER RECEIVED A HEALING TOUCHED FROM JESUS! Matthew 8:3 And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched Him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. The Great Speaker is here the Great Healer.
A. Christ’s Touch Turns Sorrow Instinctively to The Supernatural. Leprosy was known among the Jews as “the finger of God.” The removal of leprosy was always considered a Divine act: II Kings 5:7 When Christ sent an answer to John, He bade the disciples tell their master that “the lepers are cleansed,” etc. Luke 7:22
B. Christ’s Touch Is Never Deaf to Sorrow’s Cry.
“I will.” Did His “will” ever run counter to the sinner’s welfare? The will of man must concur with the will of God; he who would “find” must “seek.” The great difficulty is to persuade (not logically, but morally) men to have perfect faith in the Divine will, that it is not wise only, but loving. When they feel this, they will pray, “Thy will be done,” etc.
C. Christ’s Touch Is Superior to Material Contamination and Legal Restriction. He could “touch” the leper and yet feel no injury.
Poem: A Touch of The Master’s Hand.
Conclusion: Matthew 8:4
A. The Savior’s Command Was Twofold Matthew 8:4
1. To Keep Silence “Tell No Man”
2. To Go to The Priest “Offer the Gift That Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. “He was really not cured in the highest sense till he was socially and spiritually restored to the commonwealth of Israel, and that by obedience to the Divine requirements. Psalm 51:7-8, Psalm 51:12
B.) The Savior’s Command Was Ignored Mark 1:45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to Him from every quarter. This healing act by Jesus beautifully conveys the message that everyone has inherent value, and is loved and has attention of the "Master". His Sacrifice for us reveals His Love and our worth. Salvation comes to all who truly comes to Jesus Believing, Worshiping and Pleading. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Tonight 6 pm
THE HEALING OF THE CENTURION’S SERVANT
Matthew 8:5 -13
Happy Memorial Day and God Bless you!
