Luke 5:12 - Meaning and Application

Here is the cleansing of a leper, Luke 5:12-14. We have this story also in Matthew and Mark. Luke says it happened in a certain city, which was Capernaum, though he does not name it here. Perhaps he leaves it unnamed because it was a shame on the city’s leaders that they allowed a leper to live there.

This man is described as full of leprosy, meaning his disease was advanced and severe. That picture fits our natural pollution by sin very well. We are full of that kind of uncleanness. From the top of the head to the sole of the foot, there is no soundness in us.

From this, we should learn what to do when we sense our spiritual leprosy. First, we must seek Jesus, ask about him, get to know him, and welcome every gospel discovery of Christ. Second, we must humble ourselves before him. This leper, when he saw Jesus, fell on his face. We too should be ashamed of our sin and feel unable to lift our faces before the holy Jesus.

Third, we must earnestly want to be cleansed from sin’s stain and healed from sin’s disease, which makes us unfit for fellowship with God. Fourth, we must firmly believe that Christ is able and sufficient to cleanse us. “Lord, you can make me clean,” even if I am full of leprosy. We should never doubt Christ’s merit or his grace. Fifth, we must keep praying with urgency for forgiving mercy and new life in grace. He fell on his face and begged him. Those who want to be cleansed should see it as a blessing worth wrestling for.

Sixth, we must place ourselves in the good will of Christ. “Lord, if you are willing, you can.” This is not really the language of doubt about Christ’s kindness. It is the language of submission, leaving himself and his case in Jesus Christ’s hands.

We may also see what we can expect from Christ when we come to him this way. He is very willing to notice our need. Luke says he stretched out his hand and touched him. When Christ came into this leprous world, even without being asked, he showed how low he could stoop to do good. His touching the leper was amazing kindness, but it is even greater kindness when he himself is touched with the feeling of our weakness.

We will also find him full of compassion and ready to help. He said, “I will.” Never doubt that. Whoever comes to him for healing, he will never turn away. He is as willing to cleanse sinful souls as they are to be cleansed. He is also fully able to heal us, even if we are covered with this loathsome disease. One word, one touch from Christ, was enough. “Immediately the leprosy left him.” If Christ says, “I will, be justified, be sanctified,” it is done, because he has authority on earth to forgive sin and power to give the Holy Spirit (Co1 6:11).

Christ also shows us what he requires from those he cleanses. Has he spoken his word and healed us? Then we must be humble. He charged the man to tell no one. This probably did not forbid him from speaking to honor Christ, but it did keep him from boasting about himself. Those whom Christ heals and cleanses must know that he has done it in a way that leaves no room for pride.

We must also be thankful and show grateful praise to God. Jesus told him to go and offer the gift required for his cleansing. Christ did not ask for payment, but for a thankful offering to God. He did this without setting aside the law of Moses. We must also keep close to our duty. He told him to go to the priest and those who served with him. The man whom Christ made well was later found in the temple, John 5:14. Those who have been kept from public worship by trouble should, when that trouble is gone, attend more faithfully and stay more constant.

Christ’s public usefulness to people and his private fellowship with God are placed together here, so each one shines more clearly. Though no one ever enjoyed solitude more than Christ, he was also often among crowds to do good, Luke 5:15. Even if the leper had kept silent, the news could not be hidden, and Jesus’ fame spread even more. The more he tried to hide himself in humility, the more people noticed him. Honor is like a shadow: it runs from those who chase it, but follows those who do not seek it. The less good people say about themselves, the more others will say about them.

Yet Christ cared little for the fame itself. What mattered was that his fame brought many people to receive help from him. Some came to hear him preach and learn about the kingdom of God. Others came to be healed of their sicknesses. His miracles drew them, confirmed his teaching, and gave it weight.

Even though he did so much good in public, he still found time for holy retirement, Luke 5:16. He withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. He did not need to escape distraction or self-display, but he meant to set us an example. We need to shape our times of devotion so we are guarded against both. It is also wise to order our lives so public work and private worship do not crowd each other out. Secret prayer must be kept secret. Even those with the best work in this world must keep regular times for it.