When we talk about healing, many people jump straight to a handful of familiar passages like James 5. But the New Testament paints a much bigger picture. In the gospels Jesus not only heals the sick Himself, He trains ordinary disciples to do the same. Not just the Twelve, but the Seventy. Not just the “special few,” but all disciples.

A.W. Tozer once observed that our failure to see miracles often mirrors our failure to advance. He wrote, “Miracles have accompanied our advances and have ceased when and where we have allowed ourselves to become satisfied and ceased to advance.” In other words, the work of God’s power goes where God’s people are moving.

In Matthew 8:1–4 we see a simple, four-verse story that reveals both how we receive healing and how we extend healing to others. Jesus has just finished the Sermon on the Mount, and the crowds are amazed because He teaches with authority unlike anything they have ever heard. As He descends the mountain, a man with leprosy does the unthinkable—he approaches.

Leprosy in that culture was isolating in every sense: socially, emotionally, spiritually. Lepers lived at a distance and were required to shout “UNCLEAN!” to warn others away. They were literally stoned if they got too close. Yet even this stigma could not keep this man from Jesus.

How the Leper Received Healing

Response of Faith

The man came to Jesus at great personal risk. Shame and isolation lose their power when you realize Jesus is not ashamed of you. He approached in faith, believing Jesus could do what no one else could.

Recognition of Power

He knelt—or more literally, proskuneo—a word meaning to prostrate oneself. He worshiped. He addressed Jesus as “Lord,” acknowledging His authority and power. Healing often begins in the atmosphere of worship where we see God for who He really is.

Request in Humility

“Lord, if You are willing…” There was no entitlement in his voice. Only expectancy and humility. It is the tension every believer lives in: bold access to the throne of grace, yet deep reverence for the King of Kings. We ask freely, but we surrender fully.

Resulting in Obedience

Jesus instructs the man to show himself to the priest. Matthew doesn’t tell us he disobeys, but Mark reveals he partially did—he told everyone. Even so, grace is present. Healing leads us into obedience, not away from it.

These four movements—faith, worship, humility, and obedience—are a helpful pattern for anyone seeking healing today. Jesus is willing. The question is whether we will come.

How Jesus Extends Healing

The heart of God is revealed in the actions of Jesus. And what He demonstrates becomes a training pattern for every disciple.

Compassion

Jesus touches the man. Under the law, touching a leper would make you unclean. But in the Kingdom, when the clean Jesus touches the unclean, both become whole. The touch brought emotional healing as much as physical. Laying on hands is often less about technique and more about compassion.

Desire

To the leper’s “if You are willing,” Jesus responds, “I am willing.” This reveals something essential about God’s heart. The will of God in heaven is perfect, and there is no sickness there. We live in the “now and not yet” where healing is present, but not yet complete. We keep praying, keep contending, and refuse to attribute sickness to the nature of a healing God.

Power

Jesus speaks: “Be clean.” The healing is immediate. Scripture shows that some healing is instant and some unfolds over time. Either way, the same power that touched the leper is available today.

Priorities

Jesus sends the man to testify and to follow the law’s instruction. Healing is never the final goal—salvation is. In Matthew 9 Jesus forgives the paralytic before He heals him. Physical healing is temporary. Forgiveness is eternal. We must never confuse the order.

What This Means for Us Today

Some readers relate most to the leper: isolated, hurting, or desperate for God to intervene. If that’s you, come as he came—faith-filled, humble, and ready to obey.

Others feel called to be like Jesus in this passage—extending healing to the broken. If so, move with His heart: compassion, desire, power, and the right priorities.

Healing isn’t restricted to crusades, conferences, or special guests. The Holy Spirit moves wherever He is welcomed. And as we make room for Him, His healing touch flows both to us and through us.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His compassion hasn’t changed. His desire hasn’t changed. His power hasn’t changed. His priorities haven’t changed.

The only question is:
Will we come to Him and will we go in His name?

Message recap adapted from the November 16, 2025, message by Dr. Ron Walborn.

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