Month of Breakthrough: The Power of an Immediate Touch.

 Scripture for Today: Matthew 8:3 – Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” Immediately He was cleansed of his leprosy.  

Sunday 22 December 2024

Introduction: The Season of Miracles

As Christmas approaches, we are reminded of the miracle of Christ’s birth. It was an event that changed history, marked by God stepping into human frailty to bring redemption. Today, we focus on another moment in Jesus’ ministry—a moment of immediate breakthrough: the healing of a leper.

This encounter reflects God’s willingness to heal, restore, and make us whole, not tomorrow, not in a distant future, but immediately. It ties beautifully to the message of Christmas: Emmanuel, God with us. Let’s explore this passage and its implications for our lives as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

1. The Leper’s Bold Approach (Matthew 8:2)

“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’”

Leprosy: A Symbol of Separation

Leprosy in biblical times wasn’t just a disease; it was a sentence of social, spiritual, and physical isolation. Those afflicted were considered unclean and lived as outcasts. The leper’s boldness in approaching Jesus broke cultural and religious norms.

Application: Are there areas in your life where you feel isolated, ashamed, or unworthy? Like the leper, approach Jesus with boldness.

Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

2. The Compassion of Jesus (Matthew 8:3a)

“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.”

A Radical Gesture

Touching a leper was unthinkable. It was considered defiling. Yet, Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, extended His hand. His touch was a declaration of love, a breaking of barriers, and an act of immediate healing.

Reflection: Jesus doesn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up before coming to Him. He meets us in our mess, our brokenness, and our need. This Christmas, remember that Jesus came to touch humanity at its lowest point.

Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

3. The Power of Willingness (Matthew 8:3b)

“I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!”

God’s Willingness to Heal, Jesus’ words, “I am willing,” reveal the heart of God. Our Savior is not reluctant; He is eager to restore. His willingness reflects His mission: to bring life, healing, and hope to a broken world.

Isaiah 61:1-2: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

Challenge: Are we willing to trust His timing and methods? Sometimes, breakthroughs come immediately; other times, they require persistence. Either way, God is always willing and working.

4. The Instant Breakthrough (Matthew 8:3c)

“Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.”

 The Power of Immediate Healing

When Jesus speaks, His words carry authority. The leper’s healing was immediate—a testimony to Christ’s divine power. This moment mirrors the immediate breakthrough of Christ’s birth: when heaven touched earth, and light entered darkness.

Application: What areas in your life need an immediate breakthrough? Whether it’s physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual renewal, trust in God’s power to act. Jeremiah 32:27 declares: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

5. The Response to Healing (Luke 17:15-19)

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’”

Though not directly in Matthew 8, Luke 17 recounts the story of ten lepers healed by Jesus. Only one returned to thank Him. Gratitude is an essential response to God’s work in our lives.

Reflection: As Christmas draws near, take time to thank God for His past faithfulness and the breakthroughs He’s brought. Cultivate a heart of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

6. Preparing for Your Breakthrough

The story of the leper’s healing teaches us to approach Jesus with boldness, trust in His compassion, and believe in His willingness to act. As we prepare for Christmas, here are steps to position yourself for an immediate breakthrough:

A.Surrender Your Burden

Psalm 55:22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.”

Like the leper, bring your deepest needs and fears to Jesus. Let Him carry what you cannot.

B.Cultivate Faith

Matthew 17:20: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Faith is the foundation for breakthrough. Even a small step of belief can yield great results.

C.Trust His Timing

Not all breakthroughs are immediate. Sometimes, God is working behind the scenes. Ecclesiastes 3:11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” 

D.Worship in Expectation

Acts 16:25-26: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

 Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and their chains fell off. Worship aligns our hearts with God’s power and opens the door for miracles.

 Conclusion: The Greatest Breakthrough

The story of the leper’s healing points us to the greatest breakthrough: the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In Him, heaven touched earth, and God’s willingness to save was made manifest.

This Christmas, let us celebrate the gift of Emmanuel—God with us. Just as Jesus healed the leper immediately, He offers us immediate forgiveness, peace, and hope. Let’s come boldly to Him, trust His compassion, and receive the breakthroughs He has for us.

Final Scripture this sermon: Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Call to Action:

As we close, take a moment to reflect:

– What breakthrough are you seeking this Christmas season?

– Have you fully surrendered that need to Jesus?

– Will you trust in His willingness and power to act immediately?

Let us pray together, expecting God to move in our lives with His transformative power.

God bless you all.