(a) Narrate the story of the healing of the leper and indicate the significance of the instructions given by Jesus. (b) In what two ways does God still perf...

Answer Details

(a) The healing of the leper and the significance of Jesus' instructions (Mark 1; Matthew 8)

A leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and kneeling, and said, "If you will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity (compassion), Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, saying, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." But the man went out and began to talk freely about it, spreading the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town but stayed out in the country, yet people came to Him from every quarter.

Significance of the instructions:

1. "Show yourself to the priest" - under the Law of Moses, only the priest could officially declare a leper clean and restore him to the community; Jesus respected the Law and ensured the man's proper reintegration into society.
2. "Offer what Moses commanded, as a proof to the people" - the required offering served as a public testimony and legal certification that the man was truly healed and could resume normal life and worship.
3. "Say nothing to anyone" - Jesus wished to avoid premature publicity and a merely sensational following that valued miracles over His true message, and to prevent the crowds from hindering His teaching ministry.

By touching the leper, Jesus showed His compassion and power, cleansing rather than being defiled, and demonstrating His authority over disease.

(b) Two ways God still performs miracles today

1. Through healing of the sick - God restores health to people, sometimes instantly through prayer and faith, and also through the skill of doctors and medicine which He provides.
2. Through provision and deliverance in life's difficulties - God answers prayers by granting children to the barren, protecting people from accidents and danger, meeting needs, and transforming lives through the preaching of the gospel.