I Will, Be Clean
Scripture Reading: Genesis 25-26; Matthew 8; Psalm 9
In Matthew 8, we meet an unnamed leper whose story is told in just four verses. It might seem like a minor moment, almost insignificant—yet Matthew thought it important enough to include in his Gospel. Why? Because this brief encounter holds profound lessons, not only for the people of the first century but for us today.
On the surface, we may think this story has little to do with our lives. Most of us are not lepers, and we don’t live in first-century Israel. But we share more in common with this man than we might realize, and perhaps that’s why Matthew preserved his story.
Leprosy is mentioned often in the Old Testament, and always in negative terms. It wasn’t just the disease itself—though it was devastating—it was what leprosy symbolized: sin. The physical and social consequences of leprosy mirrored the spiritual effects of sin. A leper was cast out from God’s people, slowly wasting away in isolation until death. Worse yet, there was no cure.
Sin, like leprosy, leaves us unclean, separated from God, and hopeless in ourselves. In that sense, we are all spiritual lepers.
But the significance of this man’s story doesn’t end with his affliction. The focus shifts to the remedy for his condition—Jesus Christ—and what his encounter with Jesus teaches us about faith.
The leper’s faith stands out. He believed Jesus could heal him without hesitation or doubt. His faith was bold—he approached Jesus despite the social stigma and physical risk, confident that Jesus would hear and receive him. Yet his faith was also humble. He didn’t demand healing but instead prayed a simple, submissive prayer:
“If you will, you can make me clean.”
Jesus honored his faith. His response was immediate and compassionate:
“I will; be clean.”
Notice what Jesus didn’t do. He didn’t require anything of the man before healing him—no offerings, no promises to “do better,” no tests to prove his worthiness. The leper had already fulfilled the only requirement: he believed in Jesus.
This story shows us the heart of the Gospel. Jesus saves sinners. He doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up or make ourselves acceptable. He meets us in our uncleanness, hears our cry of faith, and responds with grace.
So, sinner, take heart. Be bold in approaching Jesus, knowing He will receive you. Be humble, acknowledging your need. And believe, trusting that He is able and willing to save.
Jesus can.
Jesus will.
