Commentary on Luke 5:14

Luke 5:14 states: "And He charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them."

Introduction

This verse highlights a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, illustrating His authority, His engagement with the Jewish law, and the importance of testimony within the community. It is pivotal for understanding the dynamics of Jesus' miracles and their implications in the context of first-century Jewish practices.

Historical Context

Within the Gospels, the act of healing lepers was laden with social and religious implications. Leprosy was not just a physical ailment but a source of social ostracism. The Law of Moses, particularly in Leviticus 14, outlined the procedures a healed leper must undergo to be reintegrated into society.

Exegesis of Key Elements

1. "He charged him to tell no man"

Jesus instructs the healed man to remain silent regarding his healing. This command, discussing the Messianic secret, is significant. It suggests a strategy of restraint in Jesus’ public ministry.

• Matthew Henry: He remarks that silence is a means to prevent premature public fame that could hinder Jesus’ mission.
• Albert Barnes: He notes that this instruction serves to prevent misunderstanding about Jesus’ role as a healer and potential political liberator.

2. "But go, and show thyself to the priest"

This directive to present oneself to the priest is rooted in the Jewish tradition. The priest acted as both a health inspector and a religious authority.

• Adam Clarke: He emphasizes that this act was in obedience to the law, which required a priest to examine anyone claiming to be healed of leprosy.
• Matthew Henry: He highlights the importance of fulfilling the law even in the face of miraculous intervention.

3. "And offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded"

The healing of the leper does not result in a dismissal of the law. Rather, Jesus' instructions affirm the law's value and significance.

• Albert Barnes: He stresses the importance of adhering to the commandments given through Moses, indicating Jesus’ respect for Jewish law and customs.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke further explains that the offerings would serve as a sign of gratitude and acknowledgment of God’s mercy.

4. "For a testimony unto them"

The requirement to offer a testimony signifies that the miracle's authenticity is essential for the community's faith.

• Matthew Henry: This serves to confirm Jesus’ messianic role through the miracle and to draw others to appreciate His powerful works.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets this as part of God’s design to confirm His truth and establish faith in the community through validated acts of healing.

Theological Implications

This verse demonstrates the intersection of Jesus’ divine authority and His adherence to Jewish law. Several theological points emerge:

• The Assurance of Healing: The act of showing oneself to the priest symbolizes a full restoration and affirmation of the healing experienced.
• Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law: By directing the leper to obey the law, Jesus embodies a profound respect for scripture while transcending it through His divine authority.
• Community and Testimony: The emphasis on testimony highlights how personal experiences of Christ’s power should be shared, contributing to the community’s understanding of who Jesus is.

Application for Today

This verse remains relevant in contemporary Christian practice:

• Obedience to God: Christians are called to submit to God’s direction, even when it conflicts with societal expectations.
• Sharing Our Testimonies: The healing leper’s need to testify reflects a broader call for believers to share their experiences of God’s work in their lives.
• Respect for Tradition: While believers live under grace, understanding the historical and cultural context enhances the appreciation of scriptural mandates.

Conclusion

Luke 5:14 encapsulates the miracle of healing intertwined with themes of obedience, testimony, and the abiding significance of the law. Reflecting on this verse encourages pastors, students, and theologians to explore how they can communicate God's workings within the framework of their traditions while recognizing the revolutionary nature of Jesus' ministry. Through this lens, the command to go to the priest resonates as a call to witness, obey, and engage with the world in a way that honors both the historical context and the transformative power of the Gospel.