Jesus Heals A Man With Leprosy - Mark 1:40-45
Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Reflection:
The passion shows us a lot about the compassion of Jesus. First of all we see how the leper approaches Jesus. Notice is says he comes on his knees. This shows his absolute humility to put himself at the mercy of Jesus. Also he says "if you are willing you can make me clean". He is completely confident and has faith that Jesus can heal him if he is willing. These are two great attributes: faith and humility as we come to Jesus for healing prayer.
Then notice it says "Jesus was indignant". I was surprised by this phrase. Other translations render this "Jesus was filled with compassion", which at the surface seems more likely given Jesus' character and other incidents of his mercy toward the sick. But we also know from the previous passage that Jesus was getting out of town per the Father's leading, and everyone was looking for him. Also, we see here that as Jesus' popularity rises so dies those looking to kill him rise. He knows his time is limited but in the end says, "I am willing"
This is one of my favorite healing passages for those words, "I am willing!" So often we think our needs are beneath Jesus or it is wrong to ask Jesus to heal us. After all, this is our cross to bear. And sometimes it is. Yet other situations give Jesus a chance to show his power and authority over sickness and disease. Later Jesus will send out his own disciples to do the same things he did, which is to announce the Good News through word and deed.
Though you may not have leprosy, where can you reach out to Jesus with humility and faith for healing. Today's passage reminds us that Jesus is willing, able and makes time for those who need him. May we come to Jesus with humility and faith as we ask him to provide Daily Bread for all of needs. Amen.
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Reflection:
The passion shows us a lot about the compassion of Jesus. First of all we see how the leper approaches Jesus. Notice is says he comes on his knees. This shows his absolute humility to put himself at the mercy of Jesus. Also he says "if you are willing you can make me clean". He is completely confident and has faith that Jesus can heal him if he is willing. These are two great attributes: faith and humility as we come to Jesus for healing prayer.
Then notice it says "Jesus was indignant". I was surprised by this phrase. Other translations render this "Jesus was filled with compassion", which at the surface seems more likely given Jesus' character and other incidents of his mercy toward the sick. But we also know from the previous passage that Jesus was getting out of town per the Father's leading, and everyone was looking for him. Also, we see here that as Jesus' popularity rises so dies those looking to kill him rise. He knows his time is limited but in the end says, "I am willing"
This is one of my favorite healing passages for those words, "I am willing!" So often we think our needs are beneath Jesus or it is wrong to ask Jesus to heal us. After all, this is our cross to bear. And sometimes it is. Yet other situations give Jesus a chance to show his power and authority over sickness and disease. Later Jesus will send out his own disciples to do the same things he did, which is to announce the Good News through word and deed.
Though you may not have leprosy, where can you reach out to Jesus with humility and faith for healing. Today's passage reminds us that Jesus is willing, able and makes time for those who need him. May we come to Jesus with humility and faith as we ask him to provide Daily Bread for all of needs. Amen.
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