Leviticus Warns Against Everything Unclean, but Jesus Has a Different Response
I’ve never met anyone who likes the book of Leviticus, and many admit to skimming it when it comes up in their Bible reading plan, yet a thoughtful read of this often-tedious book reveals startling insights.
Today’s section talks about the unclean: unclean people, unclean actions, and unclean things. That is, those who are different. God gives instructions for dealing with the unclean (Leviticus 13:4).
He wants to keep his people away from such things so they remain both healthy and pure.
Leprosy, an often-fatal condition, is a grave consideration in that day. If carries both a threat to others and a stigma in society. Physical separation is the only solution in confirmed cases.
No one would touch a leper, who would live the rest of his or her life without the comforting pat of another human being.
Those Who Are Different from Us
Jesus, who comes to fulfill the Old Testament Law (Matthew 5:17), has a different idea. When encountering a leper he does the unthinkable; he reaches out and touches the man (Matthew 8:3). Then he helps the inflicted person by healing him.
Jesus, not the book of Leviticus, provides our example for dealing with those who society won’t touch, the unclean in our world.
We accept them. We help them. They are not unclean. They are part of God’s creation, just like us. We love them just like Jesus.
Consider how we might treat others who society essenitially views as unclean? Look for ways to touch those who others ignore, those who are different from us.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Leviticus 13-15, and today’s post is on Leviticus 13:4.]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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