Luke
4:27 (ESV) And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet
Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."
NOTE: Jesus is back
home speaking in the synagogue and responding to the theoretical question of
why he does not heal more people in his hometown. Interestingly, he chooses to
bring up one of the Messianic miracles, the healing of leprosy. Since the giving
of the law and the instructions in it concerning leprosy, no person in Israel
is ever recorded as having been healed of leprosy. Miriam's healing was prior
to the law, and Naaman wasn't even an Israelite, so he was not required to
follow the dictates of the law (report to a priest, etc). I believe Jesus has
already healed the ten lepers, a fulfillment of one of the three Messianic
miracles. And he specifically brings up leprosy in his discussion at his
hometown. I doubt any of them had leprosy or they wouldn't be in the synagogue,
but the focus on one of the signs of his status as the Messiah is hard to
ignore. Ultimately, it is these words which upset the crowd, to the point that
they try to stone their hometown son. But they don't or rather they can't,
because God has a greater plan for His Son.
What is God's plan
for me? Do I see his hand in my life or do I think I control my destiny? And
should I be bolder with my words, like Jesus?
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