Scripture of the Day: Matthew 8:1–13

8:2 “Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, ‘Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.’”

8:3 “Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, ‘I want to. Be made clean.’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

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In Matthew 8, a man with leprosy approaches Jesus with courage and humility. In that time, leprosy often meant isolation, rejection, and separation from community. Yet this man kneels before Jesus with a simple, powerful statement of faith: “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.” He does not question Jesus’ power. He trusts it. What follows is not only a miracle of healing, but a moment of deep compassion. Jesus stretches out His hand and touches him. That touch changes everything.

Leprosy in biblical times carried more than physical pain. It often meant social distance. People with leprosy were separated from others for protection and purity laws. They were seen from afar, but rarely touched.

So when this man approaches Jesus, it is already an act of faith. He kneels. He worships. He believes.

Notice his words carefully: “If you want to.” He is not demanding healing. He is placing himself completely in Jesus’ hands. He trusts both Christ’s power and His will.

Jesus responds with two powerful actions. First, He speaks: “I want to. Be made clean.” Second, He touches the man.

That touch is remarkable. In a culture where contact could make someone ceremonially unclean, Jesus reaches out without hesitation. Instead of uncleanness spreading to Jesus, healing flows to the man.

This moment reveals the heart of Christ. He is not distant from suffering. He moves toward it. He does not recoil from brokenness. He restores it.

The healing is immediate. But the deeper miracle is restoration—to health, to dignity, to community.

Sometimes we may feel spiritually or emotionally unclean—burdened by mistakes, shame, or isolation. This story reminds us that we can approach Jesus honestly. We can kneel before Him with trust. His response is not rejection, but compassion.

The image of Jesus placing His hand gently on the man’s head shows both authority and tenderness. Power and mercy meet in that touch.

Christ still says, “I want to.” He desires to cleanse, to forgive, to restore.

No one is beyond the reach of His hand.

What does the leper’s statement show about his faith?

Why is Jesus’ touch such an important part of this story?

How does this passage reveal Christ’s compassion?

Have you ever felt isolated or unworthy?

What would it look like to bring that feeling to Jesus today?

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your compassion and mercy. Thank You that You are not afraid of our brokenness or our need. Help us come to You with the same humble faith as the man in this story. Cleanse our hearts, restore our hope, and draw us close to You. Teach us to reflect Your compassion to others who feel isolated or hurting. May we trust both Your power and Your loving will. In Your name we pray, amen.

Reach out with kindness this week to someone who may feel overlooked or isolated, reflecting Christ’s compassion.

Today's Free Printable

Matthew 8:1–13 – Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy Devotional Drawing Page

How to use this printable

How to Use This Printable as Part of a Devotional

This page is designed to fit naturally into personal, family, or group devotional time.
Rather than simply reading the passage, this approach invites you to slow down and engage
with Scripture visually and reflectively.

1. Begin With Stillness

Before reading, take a quiet moment. You may wish to sit in silence for 30–60 seconds,
pray briefly for understanding, or ask God to help you notice something meaningful.
Devotional drawing works best when unhurried.

2. Read the Scripture Slowly

Read the passage listed at the top of the page. If possible, read it once silently, then
read it again aloud. Pause between readings.

Notice words or phrases that stand out
Pay attention to emotions in the scene
Watch for actions, reactions, or surprises

3. Observe the Starter Image

Look carefully at the simple illustration on the page. It captures only part of the moment.
Consider what might be happening just outside the frame and what details the passage includes
that are not shown.

4. Draw as Reflection

Begin drawing the rest of the scene. As you draw, let it become part of your meditation on the
Scripture. There is no correct interpretation—the act of drawing helps you linger with the text.

Draw the environment or setting
Add other people in the story
Show movement or stillness
Use light, distance, or atmosphere to express meaning

5. Pause and Reflect

When you finish drawing, take another moment to reflect. You may find it helpful to ask:

What did I notice that I might have missed otherwise?
How does this scene reveal God’s character?
What does this moment teach about trust, obedience, fear, or faith?
How might this apply to my life today?

You can journal, pray, discuss, or sit quietly.

6. Close With Prayer

End your devotional by responding in prayer. You might thank God for what you noticed, ask for
strength related to the passage, or reflect on how the scene connects to your current season.

Using This in Different Devotional Settings

Personal Quiet Time

Use one page alongside your daily Scripture reading and return to it later in the day.

Family Devotions

Read together, draw separately, then share what each person noticed (no correcting—everyone sees it differently).

Small Groups or Church

Allow quiet drawing time, then invite voluntary sharing and discussion.

A Gentle Reminder

This is not about artistic skill. It is about slowing down, paying attention, and creating space
for Scripture to settle more deeply. Even simple drawings can lead to meaningful insight.

Download

Color This Printable Online

Launch the interactive coloring studio to draw, erase, undo, and export your artwork as PNG.

A Touch That Restores (Matthew 8:1–13)