Luke 5:12-17 12And it happened while he was in one of the cities, there was also a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, after falling on his face, he begged him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you are able to make me clean.” 13And stretching out his hand he touched him, saying, “I will, be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. 14And he commanded him to tell no one, but “Going show yourself to the priest, and bring for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a witness to them.” 15But now even more the word about him went out, and great crowds gathered to hear and be healed of their illnesses. 16But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Luke recounts another miracle story of healing. Each story adds more insight into the power and authority of Jesus. No doubt, there were many people healed by Jesus from leprosy, but this story was special because it marked an increase in Jesus’ popularity. The story serves as an example of the types of experiences happening in Jesus’ ministry. The location is unknown, but likely in the area of Galilee, where Jesus spent a significant amount of time during this period of his ministry. Leprosy was the label given at that time to all kinds of skin diseases. This poor man was covered with sores, which were probably uncomfortable, possibly painful, and socially ostracizing. The man saw Jesus believed Jesus could do something to help his leprosy. He gave a similar statement in verse 12 as Simon in verse 8. It was not a matter of whether or not Jesus could heal but if he would heal such a lowly and diseased person as him. All the man could do was fall down in worship and ask for a miracle.
Jesus’ responded to the man in three ways. The first was a simple touch. Leprosy was considered ceremonially unclean, so anyone who touched a leper became unclean. Jesus did not bother or care about such regulations, especially when it came to helping someone in need. Second, Jesus confirmed his willingness, which was the man’s big question. Jesus spoke one simple word in Greek: Be clean (katharisai). There was no elaborate incantation, magic, or long prayer. Jesus was in total control of the situation and Lord over all creation, including diseases. Third, he commanded the man to be quiet about the situation and to go tell the priest so he could be considered ceremonially clean again. This move would fulfill the requirements found in Leviticus 14:2-3. That was the only way the man could legally be allowed to join the community again. A miracle like this could not be kept quiet or hidden. This was no ordinary medical clinic checkup but a radical healing of a man completely covered in leprosy. As word about Jesus continued to spread, more and more people came to the Great Healer.
Verse 16 is a significant side note that Luke inserts into the miracle story. After intense people interaction, Jesus took time off to get away and pray. He could have healed every sickness and disease in Galilee and Judea, but what would he have accomplished? Basically, he would have prolonged people’s lives, but there was deeper and more significant work to do, and this work began in prayer. The next story will show that not only did people need physical healing, but they needed spiritual healing as well. Jesus wanted and needed to know the Father’s will for everything he did, and everywhere he went. Ministry and being with people can be physically, mentally, and spiritually draining. Jesus was still human and had that same physical, mental, and spiritual challenges we all have. What makes him stand out as the Son of God is his perfect obedience and submission to his Heavenly Father. Jesus’ times of retreat and prayer were crucial for his human nature. He set the perfect example of the balance between helping people and personal spiritual growth.
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