Matthew 8: Empowering Children and Teens Today!

Matthew  8 

Down from the mountain, out of the multitudes, a leper comes to worship Jesus saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”  (Matthew 8:2 NKJV)  Wait.  Stop right there.  A who did what?  What is a leper?  Aren’t they bad?

The bible refers to lepers more than 40 times (depending on which translation you are reading).  During bible times, God had given the Israelites instructions in Leviticus 13 on how to handle leprosy.  Leprosy is a bacterial infection.  Today, most cases of leprosy are from long-term contact with someone who has leprosy.  While doctors are not sure, they believe that leprosy might be spread by breathing in droplets that get into the air when infected people cough or sneeze.  This would explain why following God’s instructions in Leviticus 13 for leprosy and other skin infections was very important.  Disobedience could cause an epidemic of leprosy.

A leper was not allowed to come within six feet of another person, and if the wind was blowing they could not come within 150 feet of another person.  Yet, here in Matthew 8 we see a leper who has come to Jesus.  The leper asks Jesus to heal him if it is His will.  Jesus responds by saying it is His will, and the leper is healed. 

It took boldness and faith (they had just come down the mountain and had heard Jesus teach) to do what this leper did.  The leper stepped out in faith and received healing.  This is representative of what Jesus has done for us through his death, burial, and resurrection.  We have been redeemed (washed clean) from sin by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8,9). 

Our redemption is free (by grace), but we must be bold and step out through faith in Christ.  How?  God tells us, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” 

If you have not already followed these steps in your life do so now.  Just say with your mouth “Jesus is Lord”.  Believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.  It really is that simple. 

Matthew 8 is full of much more amazing Word from God.  What stands out and speaks to you in this chapter?  Why? 

Maybe you just follow the steps above, and are a new believer.  Share this another believer in your life today.  It’s an exciting day!  Today is your spiritual birthday!