Matt. 8:1-4
I'm convinced that along with the horrors and misery of leprosy God has mingled a specific benevolent purpose for his glory. He teaches us something about more ultimate realities by consigning some to this disease.
I'm also convinced that this specific account in Matthew of a man being healed by Christ is meant to teach us something about our relationship with God.
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Notice that this man comes to Jesus unclean but knowing that Jesus is able to heal him. He casts aside the scorn of others and what they might possibly say or think. Remember, lepers were outcasts, but here he is, among the crowd. Kneeling at Jesus' feet, he knows that Jesus is Lord and that he has no claim on him. He knows Jesus is well able to heal, but he cannot demand it from Jesus. He says "You are able..." but now he is in effect asking "...are you willing, Lord?" This is the question on which everything hinges. Once the foundation is laid and God is acknowledged for who he is, Almighty, all-powerful God, this question must be asked. "Lord, are you willing?"
It's like a friend of mine said in her testimony, all she really cared about were two questions: "Is there a God?" and "Does he love me?" That is, "Is he willing?"
Why would he not be willing? We would be shocked and probably outraged if someone had the power to heal another, and save another and yet refused to do so. Remember though, this is leprosy that we are dealing with. Leprosy pictures and symbolizes guiltiness and sinful uncleanness (Lev. 14, I was surprised to notice the mention of a guilt offering starting in v12). It seems that is why God even created such a thing. It pictures a sinful stain that you cannot get rid of no matter how hard you strive, and God is too clean and righteous to defile himself with sin. Therefore leprous sinners are placed beyond all foreseeable hope. What can wash away sin?
Herein is the beauty and glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Jesus reaches out his hand to touch what is unclean. "I am willing, be cleansed."
There is a God, a God who loves you, and who is willing to receive all that draw near to him. Should this not then cast out all fear and doubt?
O the wonder of wonders that God should love me,If God seems unwilling to save someone to you, then you need reexamine the situation again. God is not far off. Jesus is willing. One key factor is that this man wasn't just making a statement, he was making a plea. It's one thing for someone that is lost to say "Well, if God is willing, then he'll just save me." and then sit around waiting for God to repent and believe for him. It's another thing entirely to come to the feet of Christ as a helpless leper asking, "Lord, I know you are able, so will you please cleanse me." Jesus will say, "I am willing be cleansed."
Love a sinner so guilty, so vile and unclean.
To love the unlovely, how can it be done?
Tis only in Jesus, in his blessed son.
