Why did Jesus touch the leper?
Matthew 8:1 - 4
NKJV - 1 When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.
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Asked December 12 2016
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Jeremy Low
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Josie Harrison
I do agree with Tim. Jesus was demonstrating that as His followers, we need not fear to " get involved" on a more than verbal or monetary level. By showing He did not fear the law as well as the law of nature, Jesus demonstrated our need to help even the "unclean" . This also told the leper that he was not his disease, that God truly loved him more than safety for himself.
Can you imagine his shock? He had not known human touch in years!
Truly that is love beyond measure.
Jeremy Low
I have done some research on the Greek word "haptomai" which is translated in English "touch" in Matt 8:3. This word has the connotation "to fasten one' s self to, adhere to, cling to." Jesus' touch was not a casual touch. It was a "cling to or to fasten" Himself towards the leper who had a disease despised by the Jews. So the above comments by Tim and Josie together with a little clearer understanding of this word, provide a richer comprehension of the great love of God through our Lord Jesus' healing ministry.