The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 344

the leper, first as it regards the sufferer, and then as it concerns the action of the great Healer. I. THE BERA viouR OF THE POOR SUFFERER. 1. His condition. A leper. His disease was loathsome, and his state of life pitiable in the extreme. An outcast from society, shunned as an unclean person, regarded as hopelessly afflicted, he was an object of perfect misery. The leper has always been regarded as typical of the sinner in his uncleanness, shame, and misery. 2. His action., He came to Christ, Why? Doubt- legs he had heard of previous cures (eh. iv. 24). But the Tery look of Jesus would bq enough to draw him to the fret of the Friend of the miserable. Never had he seen such s,mpathy and kindness. We need to know something of Christ to be drawn to him, ·when we do perceive his grac0, we must come to him if we would have his salvation. 3. His reverence. He worshippe<l. We cannot suppose that he perceived the full Divinity shining through the garb of simple humanity. Yet it may be that he saw more of it than any one else, for it is most revealed in compassion. But if he only bowed as an act of homage to a great one, this showed reverence-a fitting accompa.ni• rnent of faith in Christ. 4. Hi-swords. He begged for cleansing, not for money. He knew his need, and he sought for the one thing most essential. He showed faith in the power of Christ; he only prayed for Christ's willinghood. Both are needed for salvation. II. THE RESPON'SE OF THE GREAT HEALER. 1. His brotherly touch. This is one of those single actions that send a flash of light int-0 the nature of Christ. No one else would defile himself by touching a leper. The snlferer did not expect such an act of condescension, and Jesus had to "stretch forth" his hand to reach him. Here is Christ's unlimited brotherhood. If there is danger of contagion he will not think of it. Christ heals through personal contact, through gracious brotherhood. 2. Hi, consenting words. (1) The word of grace: "I will." Then the two conditions are fulfilled. The father of the lunatic boy doubted the other condition-the power (Mark iL 22). But both are present with Christ, (2) The word of power: "Be thou made clean." His langnage to the leper is typical of his message to the sinner. He saves by cleansing. 3. His perfect healing. There is no delay, there is no slow process. Immediately the cure is complete. Thus Christ is perfectly successful. His works prove his claims. He is able to save unto the uttermost-lepers in body, lepers in souL 4. His .final, directions. (1) Silence. Perhaps from natural modesty. He was not like the Pharisees who trumpeted their alms. He would not let his left hand know what bis right haad did. (2) Obedience to the Law. ·This was not yet super- seded. The leper lived under the Law. The priest would give the man a certificate. The offering would be a sign of gratitude.-W. F. A. Vers. 5-13.-.A soldier's faith. We pass at once from the miserable leper to the Roman officer. Both have faith in Christ, and in their faith they possess much in common. Yet the centurion has interesting traits of his own. Faith takes different f<>rms according to the character and habit of mind of those in whom it shows itself. Something special is revealed in this soldier's .faith. L IT 1s INSPIRED BY KINDNESS OF HEART. The centurion seeks no favour for him- self. He is troubled about his valet, his "boy." The distress of the poor lad so touches the master's heart that he goes out to seek for the Healer, We may have faith for the sake of otliers as well as for our own benefit. Kindness is a good preparation for faith. Selfishness is often cynical, and cynicism is al ways sceptical. We may learn faith in the school of love. As we feel kindly to others we shall discover how to trust in Christ, for we shall thus come to understand Christ by sharing the spirit that is in him. 11 IT rs TRmD BY HUMILITY. Christ belonged to the despised race of the subject Jewa • the centurion was an officer in the proud army of the imperial,government. It wa; difficult for a Roman not to despise a Jew. There must have been something very fine in the nature of this man to allow of his _having emancipated b~self from the prejudices of his caste, so as to be able to perceive the greatness of Chl'lst and to feel lowly and humble by the side of him. A low estimate of one's Belf helps one to look up to the greatne~s of Christ; at the same time, _it tries faith by crcatiog a senae ;;! i;.tttr unworthiness. (!JI, vm. 1-34.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. 339