Matthew : Season 5 - Week 1

WestGate Church Teaching

Immediately after the famous set of teachings found in Matthew 5-7 called the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes “down the mountain” and is immediately confronted in a shocking manner by a leper. According to Mosaic Law, this man would have not only been banished from the city, but was required to yell “Unclean, Unclean” to warn everyone of his condition. But it was more than simply taboo - this was dangerous: these diseases were contagious and deadly. Jesus’ interaction with this man - quite literally an outcast of society - shows us that He has unparalleled authority over sickness, matching the unique authority his preaching and teaching already illustrated. But it is Jesus’ posture toward the man that’s perhaps even more shocking, showing God’s heart and God’s posture toward broken humanity, giving all of us real hope that not only is the King powerful, but that He is truly good, and good to His core. SPEAKERS: Steve Clifford (Saratoga), Corinna Girard (South Hills)