“When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before Him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I AM WILLING,” He said. “BE CLEAN!” IMMEDIATELY he was cleansed of his leprosy.” (Matt. 8:1-3) Amanda, The condition described as leprosy in the Old Testament section of the Bible is NOT the same as modern leprosy or Hansen’s Disease, as it is often called…There is no evidence that the diseases described as “leprosy” in the Old Testament had any relationship to modern leprosy. In the Old Testament, the instances of leprosy most likely meant a variety of infectious skin diseases, and even mold and mildew on clothing and walls. The precise meaning of the leprosy in both the Old and New Testaments is still in dispute, but it probably includes the modern Hansen’s disease (especially in the New Testament) and infectious skin diseases.
For many centuries, leprosy was considered a curse of God, often associated with sin. It did not kill, but neither did it seem to end. Instead, it lingered for years, causing the tissues to degenerate and deforming the body. A very dreaded disease, people who had it were required to call out “UNCLEAN” where ever they went.
This is just like a life plagued with sin Amanda, a sinner is a STENCH in God’s nostrils. So, when we are forgiven of our sins, thank God, it’s just as this leaper we are “clean” in God’s sight.
Your personal Pastor -Dad…