Mt 8:1-4
No segregation: Leprosy was a generic name for a whole variety of skin diseases which were believed to be contagious. The leper was ostracized, placed outside the camp, forced to live outside the city, pushed out of his or her religious community. Such a person was thought to be unworthy of God, because leprosy represented God’s punishment for some sin.
No segregation: Leprosy was a generic name for a whole variety of skin diseases which were believed to be contagious. The leper was ostracized, placed outside the camp, forced to live outside the city, pushed out of his or her religious community. Such a person was thought to be unworthy of God, because leprosy represented God’s punishment for some sin.
Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus in this narrative makes three important points for his community. First, Jesus is the agent of healing for the leper. Matthew is proclaiming that Jesus is God; Jesus is now (at the time of Matthew’s writing) doing what God did in the past—he is healing the afflicted.
Second, Matthew sees Jesus in this cure making a strong statement against segregation. He reaches out and touches the leper. He sends him to the temple priests, who were responsible for re-incorporating a leper into the mainstream of society. For Jesus, no one is to be ostracized from society. Everyone belongs to the community—a highly esteemed value for Matthew.
Third, Matthew is emphasizing the value of trust. Those who need healing must trust God. God is worthy of all trust, Matthew declares as he portrays the leper doing homage to Jesus.