Matthew 8:2

Verse 2. As the three evangelists relate the cure of the leper in nearly the same words, and with the same circumstances, we may conclude they speak of the same miracle. Saint Matthew alone seems to have observed the time and order of this transaction, that is after the sermon of the mount; the other two anticipate it. The Bible de Vence seems to infer, from the connection Saint Matthew makes between the sermon of the mount and the cure of the leper, that it was not the same leper as that mentioned, Mark 1:40. Luke 5:12. V.—Adored him. In Saint Mark it is said, kneeling down, chapter 1:40. In Saint Luke, prostrating on his face. It is true, none of these expressions do always signify the adoration or worship which is due to God alone, as may appear by several examples in the Old and New Testament; yet this man, by divine inspiration, might know our blessed Saviour to be both God and man. Witham.—“Make me clean;” literally, “purify me;” the law treated lepers as impure. V.—The leper, by thus addressing our Saviour acknowledges his supreme power and authority, and shews his great faith and earnestness, falling on his knees, as Saint Luke relates it. Chry. hom. xxvi. Our prayer should be such with great faith and confidence, qualified with profound humility, and entire diffidence of self.