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Index
Topic: The Miracles of Jesus
“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.” Matt 8:2,3
The goal is to awaken them to the Lord’s call to a life of sanctification and to lead them to seek forgiveness in Jesus, so that everything that hinders their communion with God may be purified.
Note: When studying the lesson, teachers should read Matt 8:1-4, I Pet 1:13-25 and I Pet 2:1-10.
Introduction
Let’s start our lesson by thinking about one thing: Have you ever done something that you knew didn’t please God? Maybe it was a lie, an act of disobedience, or something you did in secret. Today we’re going to learn about a man who needed to be cleansed. He knew he needed help and made the right decision: he went to Jesus! Let’s see what Jesus did for that man.
Development
There was a leper who had heard about Jesus. At that time, leprosy was a much-feared disease. It could cause a loss of sensitivity to heat, cold, pain, and touch. According to the law, anyone declared a leper was considered unclean and had to remain separated from others as long as they remained in that condition. (Lev 13:44-46). That’s not the case today, since there’s now a cure for the disease. Just imagine how hard that man’s life must have been!
That day, Jesus came down from the mountain, and a large crowd was following him. It was then that a man with leprosy approached Jesus. But he made a decision: he went to Jesus. When he came near the Lord, he worshiped him and made a request: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Matt 8:2b. What a special request! That man knew he needed to be cleaned up.
And do you know what Jesus did? Jesus reached out his hand, touched that man, and said: “I am willing.” And immediately he was cleansed (Matt 8:3). How wonderful! Then Jesus told that man to go to the priest and do what the law required. Now he could return home, go to the temple, and be happy.
And what do we learn from this miracle? The condition of that man with leprosy represents sin, which defiles our lives and severs our fellowship with God. Just as that man needed to be cleansed, we too need the Lord to remove from our lives whatever defiles our hearts. And often, it all begins with a choice.
You know you shouldn’t lie to your parents, but you think, “It’s just a little white lie.” A classmate says a bad word, and you start repeating it. A video pops up that you know you shouldn’t watch, but you keep watching it anyway. Your classmates start making fun of a kid, and you join in so you won’t be left out. You start playing a game or watching something behind your parents’ backs.
These are situations that can happen in everyday life. That’s why we need to learn to ask: “Does this please God?” The Bible says: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Pet 1:15-16.
Did you notice? “In all you do.” That means we want to please God in the way we live — at church, at home, at school, when we’re playing, when we’re using our cell phones, when we’re playing games, and when we’re with our friends. Even when no one is watching. That is what it means to live a life of sanctification.
Sometimes a friend might say, “Everyone does that!” But just because everyone does it, does that mean we should too? No! Those who belong to the Lord need to learn to choose what pleases God. Maybe your friends want to watch something you know isn’t good. Maybe they invite you to do something behind your parents’ backs. Maybe someone says, “Don’t tell your mom!”
What are you going to do? At times like these, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to choose what’s right. You can say, “No. I’m not going to do that.” And you don’t need to treat your classmates badly or think you’re better than them. You’re simply choosing to please God.
What about Halloween? In the coming days, many places may host Halloween parties, also known as “All Hallows’ Eve.” At these parties, you’ll see costumes and decorations featuring witches, ghosts, the Grim Reaper, and other elements associated with fear and darkness. It might happen at school, in a class, or a classmate might invite you. And someone might say, “It’s just for fun!”
But we have learned to ask ourselves, “Does this please God?” This kind of celebration goes against the Word of God (Deut 18:10-12) and it doesn’t fit with a life of sanctification. That’s why, even if other children participate, we’re going to choose not to participate.
We need to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Sin can begin to seem normal when we get used to things that do not please God. That is why we want to listen to the Lord’s voice and obey His Word.
The Bible says: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Heb 12:14. And what about when we do something wrong? Maybe someone is thinking, “But I’ve already done something that didn’t please God. What now?”
Remember that man. What did he do? He went to Jesus! We also need to seek the Lord. When we do something wrong, we shouldn’t hide it or make an excuse. We should acknowledge our sin, repent, and ask the Lord for forgiveness. The Word says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.
Conclusion
Like that man, you, too, belong to the Lord. So don’t let what separates you from God become the norm in your life. May the same desire that man had dwell in your heart: “Lord, make me clean!” And then? Choose to live a life of holiness! At home, at school, with friends, and in everything you do. Choose to live with a clean heart and close to Jesus every day!
Suggested Praises: C950 I’ve come before you to confess; C919 Give me a heart that’s upright and humble; C1035 With God’s Holy Spirit Present in my life.
Question for Intermediates
Read Hebrews, chapter 12, verse 14, and answer: At school, at home, or with friends, how can we show that we want to live a holy life? Answer: Turning away from sin and choosing to do what pleases God. “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Heb 12:14.
