Mark i. 45. But he ivent out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without hi desert places : and they came to him from every quarter.
THERE is certainly a great similarity between many of our Lord's miracles : but there are in every one of them some circumstances that distinguish them from others ; and these open to us a wide field for appropriate and useful observations. There are dif- ferent accounts of lepers healed by the power of Jesus. The text informs us of one whose manner of applying for relief, and of discovering his gratitude towards his benefactor, were very peculiar.
To elucidate the words before us we may inquire,
I. What " the matter was which he so published and blazed abroad" —
A man came to our Lord to be cured of the leprosy —
[The leprosy was a disorder which none but God could curea. The man who was infected with it believed our Lord's ability to heal him, but he knew not the marvellous extent of his compassion : hence he doubted his willingness to bestow so great a blessing. He submitted himself however to the will of this divine Physician, and with deepest humility implored his sovereign helpb.]
Our Lord with infinite condescension granted his request —
[He was not extreme to mark the weakness of the leper's faith ; but, " moved with compassion," gave him the desired relief. As a prophet of God he could touch the leper without contracting any defilement: he declared that the disease should vanish at his command, and instantly, by a touch, imparted soundness to the disordered body.]
He however accompanied the mercy with a solemn charge —
a 2 Kings v. 7.
b He came kneeling to him, falling on his face, and beseeching him. Compare Matt. viii. 2. Luke v. 12.