Why did the leper say to Jesus, "If you are willing, you can make me clean"?
Matthew 8:3
MSG - 3 Jesus reached out and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be clean." Then and there, all signs of the leprosy were gone. Jesus said, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed body to the priest, along with the appropriate expressions of thanks to God. Your cleansed and grateful life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done.
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Tim Maas
Supporter
In my opinion, the leper's statement was indicative of 1) his faith in the ability or power of Jesus to heal him of his disease; 2) the respect that was due to someone whom the leper perceived as having that power (which the leper also indicated by addressing Jesus as "Lord" in Matthew 8:2); and 3) humility on the leper's part. The leper realized that, as much as he wanted Jesus to heal him, Jesus was not obligated to do so, nor was the leper in a position to demand that Jesus do so. He was entirely reliant on Jesus' willingness and mercy. That was why he prefaced his request by acknowledging that being healed by Jesus was completely at Jesus' volition or discretion.
Tim Darden
Supporter
The leper's response has always been a bit curious to me, as well. Maybe the leper was acknowledging that he was in the presence of the Lord who does everything according to his perfect will. If it was Lord's will that the leper be healed, then so be it. If not, the leper was still acknowledging that Jesus is Lord and that he could accept that outcome.
Jungshi Jamir
Supporter
My key takeaway from this verse was that, here, the man didn't say "Lord, if you are willing, can you make me clean?" The man knew Jesus could make him clean. He wants to be made clean, but he isn't begging or requesting Jesus to make him clean. Instead, he wants Jesus to do what is transcendent and in the interest of divine will. He acknowledges that the decision is in Jesus' hand and he has no authority to enjoin or compel. In the next verse, Jesus says, "I am willing", and tells him to go to the priest and be a testimony. We realise that if God is willing to do something, there is always a divine and incomprehensible purpose behind it.
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