Matthew 8:4

ChristCleansing

Matthew 8:4 is a verse within the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of a narrative that describes Jesus healing a man with leprosy, which is one of the miracles of Jesus recorded in the synoptic gospels. Matthew 8:4 specifically details Jesus' instructions to the healed man after the miracle has taken place.

Text

In the King James Version of the Bible, the text reads:

And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

This verse follows the account of Jesus touching and healing the man with leprosy, which was a significant act given the cultural and religious implications of leprosy at the time. Leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also carried social and religious stigma, leading to the isolation of affected individuals.

Interpretation

The instruction given by Jesus to the healed man carries multiple layers of meaning. Firstly, Jesus' directive to "tell no man" is often interpreted as an example of the Messianic Secret, a motif found in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus instructs those he heals or performs miracles for to keep his identity a secret. Scholars debate the reasons behind this motif, with some suggesting it was to control the spread of his fame and others proposing it was to avoid drawing premature attention from religious authorities.

Secondly, the command to show himself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses refers to the laws outlined in Leviticus 14, which describe the ritual purification process for a person healed from leprosy. This act would serve as a "testimony unto them," validating the miracle and Jesus' authority to heal according to Jewish law. It also highlights Jesus' respect for the law and his intention not to abolish it but to fulfill it.

Theological Significance

This verse, and the healing of the leper as a whole, is significant in Christian theology for several reasons. It demonstrates Jesus' compassion and willingness to reach out to those marginalized by society. It also illustrates his power over illness and uncleanness, reinforcing his identity as the Messiah. Furthermore, by instructing the healed man to follow the Mosaic law, Jesus bridges the old covenant with the new, showing continuity with Jewish tradition while establishing the foundation for Christian practice.

See Also

• Miracles of Jesus
• Gospel of Matthew
• Messianic Secret
• Leviticus 14