When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (Mat 8:1-4 NKJ)

`Or if he touches human uncleanness– whatever uncleanness with which a man may be defiled, and he is unaware of it– when he realizes it, then he shall be guilty. (Lev 5:3 NKJ)

“He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp. (Lev 13:46 NKJ)

Being in the presence of a leper was strictly forbidden, and touching a leper made you unclean.  Jesus wasn’t concerned with the law, knowing as he did what the outcome would be and that the man came with an attitude of worship.  Mark says that the Leper fell to his knees, Luke says he fell on his face. Either way, according to Mark, Jesus had compassion.

Jesus commands him to tell nobody, but go to a priest and offer the sacrifice required by the law.  Mark’s gospel says, “As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.” (Mar 1:42 NKJ) Ignoring what Jesus said, the man broadcast his healing far and wide.  So much so that Jesus could not minister and had to go outside the city.

Leprosy in the Bible is sometimes associated with sin.  Jesus cleanses us from sin when we put our faith in him.  However, the continued victory in our lives requires more than just telling a good story; it requires obedience.