Leviticus 14, Dealing with Leprosy (2)

We have said that we do not see Lev. 11-15 as being a “type” of NT truth.  But we do see a remarkable illustration of sin in leprosy.  Many have referred to this over the years.  Here are a few comparisons.

1.    Leprosy is for the most part hereditary.  So is sin.

2.    Leprosy begins from deep within the body, often in the system for 3-12 years before showing itself.  Sin is present in a child but is often hidden by the child’s innocence.

3.    The first visible signs of leprosy are often minute, not easily detected.  Sin often gains a small hold on some aspect of a person's life which eventually becomes dominant.

4.    Leprosy is gradual in its development, as is sin.

5.    Leprosy is an exceedingly loathsome and offensive disease, as is sin.

6.    Leprosy cuts off a person from the rest of life.  Sin is also extremely anti-social, ruining relationships throughout one’s life.

7.    Leprosy had no known earthly cure.  Neither does sin, outside of the intervention of God onto the earthly scene in the Incarnation.

8.    In the end, only the priest could pronounce the leper and the sinner clean.

There is another thing to consider that is of great value to the Christian, and that is Jesus’ treatment of lepers.  Take, for example, the story in Matt. 8:1-4 where Jesus reached out and touched the untouchable leper and cleansed him.  Another story (from Luke 17:11-19) where Jesus healed ten lepers.  Our understanding of what Jesus meant when He told the ten to Go, show yourselves to the priests comes from Lev. 14.  The severity of the disease also explains the surprise that only one of the ten returned to give thanks. 

More is said about leprosy than any other disease.  We should remember that this uncleanness was not normally voluntary.  And yet, for Israel, any physical uncleanness separated them from their God, the One who gave them the land and intended to prosper them in and through the land.  In Lev. 14:18-20 this is why there is a connection between atonement and the offerings provided at the time of cleansing.  Those offerings were an indication of the worshiper’s faith and his thankfulness to the LORD for his healing.