Matthew 8:3

Niels Larsen Stevns- Spedalske

Matthew 8:3 is a verse within the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of a narrative where Jesus heals a man with leprosy, showcasing Jesus' willingness and ability to cleanse and heal those who were considered unclean and outcast in society at the time.

Text

In the King James Version of the Bible, Matthew 8:3 is stated as:

And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

This verse follows the leper's plea for cleansing in Matthew 8:2, where the man demonstrates faith in Jesus' power to heal, saying, "Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean." Jesus' response and action in verse 3 not only heal the man but also signify a significant break from the Jewish law of the time, which regarded lepers as unclean and untouchable.

Interpretation

Matthew 8:3 is often interpreted as an illustration of Jesus' compassion and authority. By touching the leper, Jesus defies the social and religious norms of the time, showing that his ministry brings a new understanding of purity and holiness. This act of healing is seen as a demonstration of the Kingdom of God's breaking into the world, where Jesus' touch brings healing and restoration rather than defilement.

The verse also highlights the theme of faith in the Gospel of Matthew. The leper's approach to Jesus, despite societal barriers and the risk of rejection, speaks to a profound trust in Jesus' power and willingness to heal. Jesus' affirmative response, "I will," underscores his readiness to respond to faith with grace and healing.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Matthew 8:3 is significant for several reasons. It showcases Jesus' messianic identity and divine authority, as he performs miracles that reveal his power over physical ailments and societal boundaries. The healing of the leper is also emblematic of Jesus' mission to bring healing and salvation to the marginalized and outcast, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Kingdom of God.

Furthermore, this verse, and the healing miracles of Jesus more broadly, are often discussed in the context of Christology, exploring the nature and work of Christ. The act of touching the leper can be seen as a tangible expression of the Incarnation, with Jesus, as God made flesh, bridging the gap between the divine and the human, the clean and the unclean.

In Christian Tradition

In Christian tradition, the story of Jesus healing the leper has been a source of inspiration for acts of charity and ministry among the marginalized. It has also been a focal point for discussions on purity, holiness, and the nature of Jesus' ministry. Throughout history, this passage has encouraged Christians to engage in acts of compassion and service, reflecting Jesus' example of reaching out to those who are often rejected by society.

See Also

• Miracles of Jesus
• Gospel of Matthew
• Leprosy in the Bible