The Touch That Heals – Matthew 8:1-4

Paul Zak, also known as Dr. Love, has a prescription for making the world a better place…eight hugs a day. He has demonstrated that hugging is a way of raising one’s oxytocin levels and increased levels of oxytocin increases one’s empathy. And it makes us feel better. I still remember how a hug from a friend after our family’s experience of my son-in-law’s near fatal accident felt like a healing balm. Human touch. It is so critical.

Jesus knew that.

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” (Matthew 8:1-4 ESV)

Matthew is not only noted for having the most complete record of any sermon Jesus preached, but he also provides summary versions of Jesus’ miracles (ch.8-9), parables (ch.13), and interactions with his opponents (ch.22-23).

What follows in these next two chapters, a summary of Jesus’ miracles, is three miracles and an interlude, three miracles and an interlude, four miracles and a conclusion as Matthew shows us the works of power Jesus did to announce the kingdom.

The first miracle is when a leper confronts Jesus on his knees believing that Jesus has the ability to heal him and asking only that Jesus will heal him. And Jesus does the most astonishing thing.  He touches the leprous man.  Lepers were supposed to announce themselves to prevent any accidental touch and so prevent the spread of this disease.  Jesus’ compassion moved him not to shy away from the man but to heal him by touching him. Humans desperately need the touch of other humans.

Then Jesus gave him an odd command to say nothing to anyone.  Jesus already had great crowds following him and he could read the state of things and knew that the people had a hope that Jesus would change the order of life under Roman rule, but this was not his purpose for this coming. So Jesus seeks to manage the expectations of the people by not advertising his works.  And it was written in Moses’ law that the priest was the right one to examine a leper for healing and that a thank offering or sacrifice was to be given on occasion of healing.  So Jesus instructs this man to give proof to the priests of his healing.

Jesus has the same compassion for us who are wretched and poor in more ways than one.  He does not shy away from us but enters into our lives full on, willing us to be clean.  The same restriction does not apply now, however, and we may boldly let others know what Jesus has done for us.