Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
The Synoptic Gospels tell how a man with a serious skin disease approaches Jesus, asks to be made clean, and is healed when Jesus touches him.
Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
A man suffering from a severe skin disease approaches Jesus and kneels before him.
His request expresses both confidence and uncertainty: if Jesus is willing, he can make him clean.
Jesus reaches out and touches him.
He declares that he is willing and commands the man to be clean. The condition immediately leaves him.
Jesus instructs the man to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices Moses commanded, following the process by which restored people could be recognized as clean.
Mark also records a strong instruction not to spread the news.
The man nevertheless talks freely about what happened, and the report spreads widely.
As a result, Jesus can no longer enter towns openly and remains in more isolated places, while people continue coming to him from everywhere.
The scene is memorable not only because Jesus heals but because he touches the man before the narrative announces his cleansing, crossing a social boundary in the act of restoration.
Read the Original Account
This retelling is an original BibleVerses.com narrative. Read the primary biblical passages for the source account and full context.
Mark 1:40–45
Jesus touches and cleanses a man with leprosy.
Matthew 8:1–4
Matthew’s parallel account.
Luke 5:12–16
Luke’s parallel account.
Related Bible Stories
Key Bible Passages
Mark 1:40–45
Jesus touches and cleanses a man with leprosy.
Matthew 8:1–4
Matthew’s parallel account.
Luke 5:12–16
Luke’s parallel account.
What Happens in Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy?
The Synoptic Gospels tell how a man with a serious skin disease approaches Jesus, asks to be made clean, and is healed when Jesus touches him.
People in This Story
Jesus
Touches and heals the man
Where the Story Happens
Galilee
Broader region of Jesus’ early ministry.
Topics in This Story
Why This Story Matters
The healing combines physical restoration with ritual cleansing and highlights Jesus’ willingness to touch someone whose condition carried significant social and religious consequences.
Historical and Literary Context
Biblical “leprosy” can refer to a range of serious skin conditions and should not automatically be equated with modern Hansen’s disease. Levitical law included procedures for diagnosis and restoration.
Related Bible Stories
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
Continue through the biblical story.
Jesus Raises Jairus’s Daughter
Continue through the biblical story.
Citing This BibleVerses.com Research Guide
Citation styles vary by instructor and institution. These are convenient starting points; students should follow their assigned style guide.
“Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy.” BibleVerses.com, https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/stories/jesus-heals-a-leper/. Accessed October 1, 2026.
BibleVerses.com. “Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy.” Accessed October 1, 2026. https://www.bibleverses.com/bible/stories/jesus-heals-a-leper/.
