Matthew 8:2-3 (KJV)

2. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying , Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

1. The Statement of the Leper . . . "Lord, if you are willing, you can . . ." (NIV)
   There is more theology in this one statement than all the books in a seminary library.
   Christ had been preaching and ministering throughout Galilee and is now returning to Capernaum. It seems that the leper had heard of Christ and what He had done for people in need and he waited for Christ on the side of the road. But would He heal the poor leper?
   1. Christ is always able . . . The world likes a weak god whom they can control, but Scripture teaches "Nothing is impossible with God." What is it that God can't do?
      1. Can He not control kings? "The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord."
      2. Does He not control nature? "Christ stood and cried, 'Peace; be still.'"
      3. Can He not subdue the stubborn will? "It is God in me both to will and to do . . ."
      The foulest doctrine in the land is that which teaches God is unable to do something!
   2. This leper knew Him to be able . . ."you can."
      "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 12:6). God can change your life, God can change your circumstances, God can change your child . . . God can!
   3. However, "Is God willing?" . . . "Lord, if you are willing, you can . . ."
      Everything is thrown upon the Lord Jesus. The man says, "I am miserable, I am ready, and Thou are able." The only thing that he was unsure of was the will of Christ.
2. The Statement of the Lord . . . "I will, be thou clean!"
   This statement can be divided into two parts: First, "I am willing," Second, "be clean."
   Before we go any further, I must remind you that every miracle pictures a heavenly reality. Rather than getting caught up in the physical healing, realize leprosy is a type of sin. Jesus is picturing through this miracle how a person can be healed within the soul of sin and guilt.
   1. The willingness of Christ . . . Mark says Jesus was "moved with compassion."
      1. The leper led a burdened life.
         The man was constantly aware of his uncleanness. There will be no move toward Christ until the soul is afflicted, until you find yourself in a position of burden. Jesus is moved with compassion at the sight of burdened lives (Matthew 11:28).
      2. This leper confessed his need.
         There are many afflicted in the soul who hide the affliction. This leper knelt on a public road and confessed his need for healing. "Thou canst make me clean."
      3. This leper trusted Christ.
         He trusted that Christ could heal, and that Christ had the right not to heal.
         It is not "demanding" God that moves His heart of compassion, but "asking" Him.
   2. The power of Christ . . ."be thou clean."
      It is simply the word of God that healed this man. The same word that created the stars upholds the universe. This word raised Christ from the dead and regenerates the heart. Oh sinner, cast thyself upon Christ! Your only hope is to ask Him for your healing.