Bible Studies for Life Free Samples Adult Ministry Personal Study Guide, Spring 2014 | Page 5

THE POINT

When we seek Christ, we find hope.

Matthew 8:1-4
In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life we see Jesus interact with people
in surprising ways. The first encounter of chapter 8 is with a man
with a serious skin disease known as leprosy. In Bible times, the term
leprosy was used for a variety of skin disorders from psoriasis to
leprosy. Today leprosy is commonly called Hansen’s disease. In this
disease, slow-growing bacteria damage the nerves. It takes away
the ability to sense pain. This loss of feeling can allow people to
harm themselves without realizing it.
Leprosy is contagious; but you can only catch it if you come into close
and repeated contact with moisture from the infected person’s nose
and mouth. Because of its contagious nature, people with leprosy
were banished from their homes and cast beyond the protection of
the city walls. Lepers lived isolated lives; they had to shout “unclean”
anytime someone healthy came near. And lepers certainly were not
allowed to approach anyone—especially not rabbis.
Yet that is exactly what this leper did. He knelt before Jesus to make
the boldest request a man in his situation could make. “Lord, if you
are willing, You can make me clean.”
I imagine there was a pause. All the people must have stopped dead
in their tracks. Then panicked shrieks and the noise of shuffling feet
may have taken over as the people scrambled to get away from this
man with the horrific disease. I imagine the man looking up to see if
Jesus was one of those running away.
Yet Jesus stood there. With compassion in His eyes and an
outstretched hand, this Rabbi did the unthinkable. He touched the
untouchable. And He said, “I am willing; be made clean.”

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SESSION 2

© 2013 LifeWay

How might sin in our
lives make us feel like
a leper?

#2

Question

Why might someone
think Jesus would be
unwilling to help?

Question

#3