Luke 5:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 5:12
12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Chapter Context
Luke 5 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, hope, redemption. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 5:12
12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Analysis
Man full of leprosy fell on face besought him saying Lord if thou wilt thou canst make me clean. Full of leprosy advanced stage worst possible case. Fell on face prostration worship desperation. Besought deomai earnestly begged. Lord kurios acknowledges authority divinity. If thou wilt recognizes Jesus sovereignty not demanding presuming. Thou canst expresses faith in Jesus power ability. Make me clean kathairizō ceremonially and physically cleanse. Leprosy rendered person unclean excluded from worship community normal life. Leper faith is remarkable trusts Jesus despite hopeless condition. He does not doubt Jesus ability only questions willingness. Reformed theology emphasizes both divine sovereignty and human responsibility prayer. We ask acknowledging God sovereignty over outcomes trusting His character wisdom. Jesus does not always heal physically but always acts in love wisdom for His glory our ultimate good.
Historical Context
Leprosy covered various skin diseases rendered sufferer ceremonially unclean required isolation from community. Leviticus 13-14 detailed regulations quarantine. Lepers lived outside towns shouted Unclean when approached. Physical suffering compounded by social isolation religious exclusion. No cure existed. Priest could only certify if leprosy gone. This leper violating protocol by approaching Jesus in town demonstrates desperate faith. His if thou wilt not doubt about power but appropriate humility acknowledging Jesus sovereignty. Ancient world saw disease as divine punishment. Healing miracles demonstrated kingdom breaking in restoring not just bodies but social religious status. Early church continued healing ministry.
Reflection
- What does lepers faith doubting not Jesus power but willingness teach about proper prayer?
- How does Jesus healing restoring social and religious status not just physical health demonstrate kingdom wholeness?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Matthew 9:28, 26:6
- References Lord: Genesis 18:14, Exodus 4:6
- Parallel theme: Luke 17:16, Psalms 50:15, 91:15, Hebrews 7:25