Epiphany · The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Matthew 8:1-13
The Man With Leprosy
January 25, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2)
As Matthew’s earlier summary of Jesus’ teaching (4:23–25) indicates, Jesus’ messianic ministry is characterized by preaching (4:17), teaching (5:1–7:29), and healing (8:1–9:38). This section of Matthew introduces Jesus’ healing and miraculous ministry in Galilee, accentuating themes of Jesus’ authority, the importance of faith for discipleship, and Gentile inclusion in the coming kingdom of God. Jesus’ authority and corresponding faith in Jesus will be themes that pervade chapters 8–9. Matthew also cites from Isaiah’s Servant Songs (Isa. 42:1–4; 49:1–6; 50:4–9; 52:13–53:12) to connect Jesus’ healing ministry to Isaiah’s servant figure (Isa. 53:4, quoted in Matt. 8:17). By using Isaiah, Matthew indicates that Jesus is the Isaianic “servant” who willingly and compassionately takes on Israel’s suffering as Israel’s representative for the purpose of bringing God’s kingdom and salvation.
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Commentary
Matthew 8 Commentary: Healing, Teaching, and Miracles Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik walks verse by verse through the cleansing of the leper and the centurion's faith with an evangelical eye for the text.
Matthew 8:1 Classic Commentaries Compared BibleHub
Ranks Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and the pulpit commentaries side by side for the opening of the reading.
Matthew 8 Commentary Precept Austin
Gathers word studies, cross references, and preacher quotations on the healings that open Matthew's miracle cycle.
Matthew 8 (Word on Fire Bible) Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron's Catholic reflections on the healings and Jesus' authority over sickness.
Background & Word Study
Matthew 8:1 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Shows the Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for close study of the healing narratives.
Matthew (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's background overview of Matthew's structure, audience, and themes for orienting the reading.
Book of Matthew Summary (chapters 1-13) BibleProject
Animated overview of the first half of Matthew, where these healings show Jesus' authority breaking in.
Holiness (theme video) BibleProject
Traces the biblical idea of holiness, illuminating why touching a leper to make him clean is so striking.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
What healings open Matthew 8?
Coming down the mountain, Jesus cleanses a leper with a touch and heals the centurion's servant at a word, marveling at the faith he has not found in Israel.
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