Matthew 8:4
Then Jesus instructed him, "See that you don't tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them."
Then Jesus said to him
This phrase marks a direct communication from Jesus, emphasizing His authority and compassion. The Greek word for "said" is "λέγει" (legei), which implies a continuous or habitual action, suggesting that Jesus' instructions are not just for the moment but carry ongoing significance. Jesus' words are not merely commands but are filled with divine wisdom and purpose, reflecting His role as the ultimate teacher and healer.

See that you don’t tell anyone
The instruction to maintain silence is intriguing. The Greek word "ὅρα" (hora) means "see" or "beware," indicating a strong caution. Jesus often instructed those He healed to keep quiet, possibly to avoid premature publicity that could hinder His ministry or lead to misunderstandings about His messianic mission. This reflects the strategic nature of Jesus' ministry, where timing and context were crucial.

But go, show yourself to the priest
This directive aligns with the Levitical law found in Leviticus 14, where a cleansed leper must be examined by a priest. The Greek word "ὕπαγε" (hypage) for "go" implies a command with urgency. Jesus respects and upholds the Mosaic Law, demonstrating His fulfillment of the law rather than its abolition. This act serves as a bridge between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, showing continuity in God's redemptive plan.

and offer the gift Moses commanded
The "gift" refers to the sacrifices prescribed in Leviticus 14:10-32, which include offerings of birds, lambs, and grain. The Greek word "δώρον" (doron) signifies a gift or offering, emphasizing the act of worship and thanksgiving. This requirement underscores the importance of obedience to God's law and the acknowledgment of His provision and healing.

as a testimony to them
The phrase "as a testimony" uses the Greek word "μαρτύριον" (martyron), meaning a witness or evidence. This act serves as a public declaration of the man's healing and a testament to Jesus' authority and power. It also acts as a witness to the priests, challenging them to recognize the messianic signs being fulfilled. This testimony is not just for the healed individual but for the broader community, pointing to the transformative power of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the one who heals the leper and gives him specific instructions afterward.

2. The Leper
A man suffering from leprosy who approaches Jesus for healing. Leprosy was a severe and socially isolating disease in biblical times.

3. The Priest
The religious authority to whom the healed leper is instructed to present himself. This act was in accordance with the Law of Moses.

4. Moses
The lawgiver of Israel, whose laws included specific instructions for the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14).

5. The Gift
Refers to the offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law for someone who has been cleansed of leprosy.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Law
Jesus instructs the healed leper to follow the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands even after receiving a miracle.

Testimony to Others
The act of showing oneself to the priest serves as a testimony to the religious authorities, highlighting the importance of public witness to God's work in our lives.

Humility and Discretion
Jesus tells the leper not to tell anyone about the healing, teaching us the value of humility and discretion in our spiritual walk.

Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' instruction to offer the gift prescribed by Moses underscores His role in fulfilling the Law, not abolishing it, and encourages us to respect God's established order.

Faith and Action
The leper's faith led him to Jesus, and his healing required action—going to the priest. Our faith should also lead to obedient action.
Bible Study Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed the leper not to tell anyone about his healing, and how can this principle apply to our lives today?

2. How does Jesus' instruction to follow the Mosaic Law after healing the leper demonstrate His relationship with the Law, and what does this teach us about our relationship with God's commandments?

3. In what ways can we show ourselves as a testimony to others about what God has done in our lives, similar to the leper showing himself to the priest?

4. How does the healing of the leper and the subsequent instructions reflect the balance between faith and works in the Christian life?

5. What are some areas in your life where you need to exercise humility and discretion, following the example of the leper's response to Jesus' command?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 14
This chapter outlines the detailed process for the cleansing of a leper, which Jesus refers to when instructing the healed man to show himself to the priest.

Mark 1:40-45 and Luke 5:12-16
Parallel accounts of the healing of the leper, providing additional context and details about the event.

Hebrews 3:1-6
Discusses Jesus as greater than Moses, yet here Jesus respects the Mosaic Law, showing His fulfillment of the law.

Matthew 5:17
Jesus states He has not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, which is exemplified in His instruction to the leper.
Our Lord's Avoidance of Public ExcitementR. Tuck Matthew 8:4
A Picture of True FaithJ A. Seiss, D. D.Matthew 8:1-4
Christian Reserve in Words Modified by DeedsJ. Puckle. M. A.Matthew 8:1-4
Christ's Healing TouchG. Shrewsbury.Matthew 8:1-4
Christ's Healing TouchA. Mackennal, B. A.Matthew 8:1-4
Healing of the LeperJ. T. Woodhouse.Matthew 8:1-4
Human Leprosy and its Divine CureDr. Bonar., J. Bogs, D. D.Matthew 8:1-4
Secret LeprosyWilmot Buxton.Matthew 8:1-4
The Healing of the LeperA. Moody Stuart., J. Barnis, LL. D.Matthew 8:1-4
The LeperW.F. Adeney Matthew 8:1-4
The LeperJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 8:1-4
The Leper's CureW. Wight, M. A.Matthew 8:1-4
The Leper's ExampleP.C. Barker Matthew 8:1-4
The Leper's Loneliness as Indicating the Souls SolitudeDean Howson, D. D.Matthew 8:1-4
The Leper's PrayerDean Howson, D. D.Matthew 8:1-4
The Mark of the LeperWilmot Buxton.Matthew 8:1-4
The Prudence of JesusF. W. P. Greenwood, D. D.Matthew 8:1-4
The Touch of Christ CleansethF. W. P. Greenwood, D. D.Matthew 8:1-4
Touching the LoathsomeG. Calthrop, M. A.Matthew 8:1-4
The Leper and the CenturionMarcus Dods Matthew 8:1-13
People
Esaias, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob, Jesus, Peter
Places
Capernaum, Gadara, Galilee, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Anyone, Appointed, Bring, Careful, Commanded, Evidence, Gift, Mayest, Nobody, Nothing, Offer, Offering, Ordained, Ordered, Present, Priest, Proof, Says, Shew, Testimony, Thyself, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 8:4

     2333   Christ, attitude to OT
     7414   priesthood, NT
     7770   priests, NT tasks
     8405   commands, in NT

Matthew 8:2-4

     5136   body
     5285   cures
     5390   leprosy
     7340   clean and unclean

Matthew 8:4-13

     5433   occupations

Library
The Touch that Cleanses
'When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 1. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. 3. And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; he thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.'--MATT. viii. 14. THE great collection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Healing Christ
'Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.'--MATT. viii. 17. You will remember, probably, that in our Old Testament translation of these words they are made to refer to man's mental and spiritual evils: 'He bare our griefs and carried our sorrows.' Our evangelist takes them to refer, certainly not exclusively, but in part, to men's corporeal evils--'our infirmities' (bodily weaknesses, that is) 'and our sicknesses.' He was distinctly justified in so doing, both by the meaning of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Swift Healing and Immediate Service
'And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them.'--MATT. viii. 14-15. Other accounts give a few additional points. Mark:-- That the house was that of Peter and Andrew. That Christ went with James and John. That He was told of the sickness. That He lifted her up. Luke, physician-like, diagnoses the fever as 'great.' He also tells us that the sick woman's friends
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
'And a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. 20. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.'--MATT. viii. 19-20. Our Lord was just on the point of leaving Capernaum for the other side of the lake. His intended departure from the city, in which He had spent so long a time, and wrought so many miracles, produced precisely opposite effects on two of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Stimulating Sluggish Discipleship
'And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22. But Jesus said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.'--MATT. viii. 21-22. The very first words of these verses, 'And another of His disciples,' show us that the incident recorded in them is only half of a whole. We have already considered the other half, and supplement our former remarks by a glance at the remaining portion now. The two men, whose treatment by Christ is narrated, are
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World
'And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. 24. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but He was asleep. 25. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man la this, that even the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World
'And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30. And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31. So the devils besought Him, saying, If Thou cast us out, suffer us to go away
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith which Christ Praises
'The centurion answered and said: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go! and he goeth; and to another, Come I and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this; and he doeth it.'--MATT. viii. 8-9. This miracle of the healing of the centurion's servant is the second of the great series which Matthew gives us. It is perhaps not accidental that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Cross and Crown.
At last He cried, with a loud voice: "It is finished!" Perhaps not many on earth heard it, or cared about it when they did hear it; but I can imagine there were not many in heaven who did not hear it, and if they have bells in heaven how they must have rung out that day; "It is finished! It is finished!" The Son of God had died that poor sinful man might have life eternal. I can imagine the angels walking through the streets of heaven crying: "It is finished!" and the mansions of that world ringing
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 23, "And when He was Entered into a Boat," Etc.
1. By the Lord's blessing, I will address you upon the lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, and take occasion thereby to exhort you, that against the tempest and waves of this world, faith sleep not in your hearts. "For the Lord Christ had not indeed death nor sleep in His power, and peradventure sleep overcame the Almighty One as He was sailing against His will?" If ye believe this, He is asleep in you; but if Christ be awake in you, your faith is awake. The Apostle saith, "that Christ
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that Thou Shouldest Come under My Roof," Etc. , and of the Words Of
1. We have heard, as the Gospel was being read, the praise of our faith as manifested in humility. For when the Lord Jesus promised that He would go to the Centurion's house to heal His servant, He answered, "I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and he shall be healed." [2163] By calling himself unworthy, he showed himself worthy for Christ to come not into his house, but into his heart. Nor would he have said this with so great faith and humility, had
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Heaven and Hell
To-night, I shall, I hope, encourage you to seek the road to heaven. I shall also have to utter some very sharp things concerning the end of the lost in the pit of hell. Upon both these subjects I will try and speak, as God helps me. But, I beseech you, as you love your souls, weigh right and wrong this night; see whether what I say be the truth of God. If it be not, reject it utterly, and cast it away; but if it is, at your peril disregard it; for, as you shall answer before God, the great Judge
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Twenty-Seventh Day. Activity in Duty.
"I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work."--John, ix. 4. How constant and unremitting was Jesus in the service of His Heavenly Father! "He rose a great while before day;" and, when His secret communion was over, His public work began. It mattered not to Him where He was: whether on the bosom of the deep, or a mountain slope--in the desert, or at a well-side--the "gracious words" ever "proceeded out of His mouth." We find, on one touching
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Healing the Centurion's Servant.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 1, 5-13; ^C Luke VII. 1-10. ^c 1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, ^a 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. ^c he entered into Capernaum. [Jesus proceeded from the mountain to Capernaum, which was now his home, or headquarters. The multitudes which are now mentioned for the third time were not wearied by his sermon, and so continued to follow him. Their presence showed the popularity of Jesus, and also
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 14-17; ^B Mark I. 29-34; ^C Luke IV. 38-41. ^c 38 And he arose out of the synagogue [where he had just healed the demoniac], ^b 29 And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came { ^c entered} ^b into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [Peter and Andrew had dwelt at Bethsaida (John i. 44). They may have removed to Capernaum, or Bethsaida, being near by, may be here counted as a part, or suburb, of Capernaum. Its name does not contradict
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A Sabbath in Capernaum
It was the Holy Sabbath - the first after He had called around Him His first permanent disciples; the first, also, after His return from the Feast at Jerusalem. Of both we can trace indications in the account of that morning, noon, and evening which the Evangelists furnish. The greater detail with which St. Mark, who wrote under the influence of St. Peter, tells these events, shows the freshness and vividness of impression on the mind of Peter of those early days of his new life. As indicating that
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
We are once again in Capernaum. It is remarkable how much, connected not only with the Ministry of Jesus, but with His innermost Life, gathers around that little fishing town. In all probability its prosperity was chiefly due to the neighbouring Tiberias, which Herod Antipas [2583] had built, about ten years previously. Noteworthy is it also, how many of the most attractive characters and incidents in the Gospel-history are connected with that Capernaum, which, as a city, rejected its own real glory,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.
IT was the evening of that day of new teaching, and once more great multitudes were gathering to Him. What more, or, indeed, what else, could He have said to those to whom He had all that morning spoken in Parables, which hearing they had not heard nor understood? It was this, rather than weariness after a long day's working, which led to the resolve to pass to the other side. To merely physical weariness Jesus never subordinated his work. If, therefore, such had been the motive, the proposal to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
THAT day of wonders was not yet ended. Most writers have, indeed, suggested, that the healing of the demonised on the other side took place at early dawn of the day following the storm on the Lake. But the distance is so short that, even making allowance for the delay by the tempest, the passage could scarcely have occupied the whole night. [2899] This supposition would be further confirmed, if the evening' when Jesus embarked was what the Jews were wont to call the first evening,' that is, the time
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Essential Character of the Work of Jesus.
Jesus, it will be seen, limited his action entirely to the Jews. Although his sympathy for those despised by orthodoxy led him to admit pagans into the kingdom of God--although he had resided more than once in a pagan country, and once or twice we surprise him in kindly relations with unbelievers[1]--it may be said that his life was passed entirely in the very restricted world in which he was born. He was never heard of in Greek or Roman countries; his name appears only in profane authors of a hundred
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Christ the Son of Man.
"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matt. viii. 20). "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matt. xvi. 13). "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life" (John iii. 14). It is a matter of profound gratitude that our Saviour was a man. "The Son of man," as well as "the Son of God," was essential to His great work
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Kingo's Church Hymns
Kingo's church hymns naturally differ from his spiritual songs. They are more objective in form and less fiery in spirit. Most of them follow their themes quite closely, reproducing in many instances even the words of their text. Kingo is too vital, however, to confine himself wholly to an objective presentation. Usually the last stanzas of his hymns are devoted to a brief and often striking application of their text. He possessed to a singular degree the ability to express a thought tersely, as
Jens Christian Aaberg—Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark

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