What does Luke 5:15 mean?
When Jesus heals the man with leprosy, He tells him to go to the priest and show that he is cleansed (Luke 5:14). Jesus cares about the physical suffering the man is going through. However, the ceremonial cleanness that allows the man to fully engage in worshiping his God is more important. Even now, God doesn't always heal us, but He does make sure His followers are cleansed by being washed in the Spirit (Titus 3:5), able to approach His throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16; 10:22).The man's joy, however, overcomes his discretion and the value he places on being able to go to the temple again. "He went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news…" (Mark 1:45).
Physical healing is an important part of Jesus' ministry, but it's not the most important part. He told Peter, Andrew, James, and John, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out" (Mark 1:38). His touch provides physical healing, but His teaching is the conduit for eternal life. People and ministries that emphasize God's ability to heal can undermine the spread of the gospel. Even so, when Jesus sees a crowd of people in need of healing, His first reaction is compassion (Matthew 14:14).
