Short Devotional about A Leper – Matthew 8:2-3
Introduction
In life, we encounter obstacles and adversities that can be likened to leprosy – something that isolates us, stigmatizes us, and leaves us yearning for an encounter with Jesus. The biblical story of the leper in Matthew 8:2-3 speaks to us on multiple levels, emphasizing the power of faith, compassion, and the healing touch of Jesus. This devotional is designed to rekindle your faith, remind you of Jesus’ limitless love, and challenge you to reach out in faith, despite the ‘leprosy’ in your life.
Matthew’s account of the leper is a poignant reminder that no challenge is insurmountable, no affliction too severe, and no cry too quiet for Jesus to hear and heal. Embrace this message with an open heart and mind as we delve deeper into the essence of this bible verse.
Bible Verse
“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.” (Matthew 8:2-3)
Meaning
The story of the leper displays immense faith and raw humility. The leper, despite his marginalized status, had an unshakeable belief in the power of Jesus. His question was not whether Jesus could heal but whether Jesus would choose to heal him, a societal outcast. In response, Jesus defies societal norms, reaches out, touches the man, and affirms his willingness to heal, saying, “I am willing. Be clean!”
Jesus’ response serves as a powerful testament to His love and compassion, transcending societal boundaries and stigmatization. His healing touch demonstrates His willingness to identify with our pain, dirt, and ‘leprosy.’ More so, this story underscores the transformative power of faith and the undeniable reality that nothing is beyond Christ’s healing power.
Actions to Take
- Identify your personal ‘leprosy’ – the challenges, fears, or aspects about yourself you feel separate you from Jesus.
- Like the leper, approach Jesus in humility and faith, confident in His power to heal and transform.
- Emulate Jesus’ compassion in your interactions with others, showing kindness and love without discrimination.
- Trust in the healing power of Jesus, knowing that He is more than willing to meet us in our affliction.
- Share your testimony of Jesus’ healing power with others to encourage their faith.
Journal Prompts
- In which areas of your life are you seeking Jesus’ healing touch? How can you approach Him with faith?
- How can you show compassion and kindness to the ‘lepers’ in our society?
- Reflect on a time when you experienced Jesus’ healing power. How did it impact your faith?
Prayer
Dear Lord, like the leper, I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your healing touch. Through Your loving-kindness, help me boldly approach Your throne of grace, confident in Your power and willingness to cleanse, heal, and restore. Teach me to have compassion for others and love as You love, without prejudice or discrimination. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.
Social Posts
- “No matter our ‘leprosy,’ let’s confidently approach Jesus, for He is willing and able to heal.#JesusHeals”
- “Today, let’s show compassion like Jesus, reaching out to touch those who society shuns.#TouchOfJesus”
- “With strong faith in Jesus’ power, like the leper, we can receive our healing.#PowerOfFaith”
Conclusion
This devotion calls for a deep introspection about the ‘leprosy’ we face in life – the barriers, stigmas, and challenges. Yet, even more, it reassures us of the never-ending compassion of Jesus and His willingness to heal, cleanse and restore. Faith, like that of the leper, enables us to approach Jesus, knowing He can transform our situations irrespective of the societal labels.
Continue to explore your faith, seek Jesus’ healing power, and show compassion to others through our Bible studies. Visit us at BGodInspired.com for more inspiration and spiritual growth. Let your Christianity be as active as the faith of the leper, and may the transformative power of Jesus Christ meet you at the point of your needs. Amen.
Explore and dig up answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
Q&A about A Leper – Matthew 8:2-3
Question: What happened when a leper approached Jesus in Matthew 8:2-3?
Answer: A leper approached Jesus and begged him for healing saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean”. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, saying “I am willing, be clean”. Immediately the leper was cleansed of his disease.
