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Mark 1:40-45
40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: We are continuing our study in Jesus' miracles in the gospel of Mark. Keep in mind miracles are used by our Lord not simply to create excitement but to reveal truths about salvation and the kingdom of God. Miracles are "like parables portraying the effects of the Spirit’s work among the people". So in this case, leprosy was a disease that reminded everyone of the nature of sin and the brokenness and death it brings to our world. Jesus cleanses the leper to show us his power to restore us, though broken, to an image bearer of God. As you read the passage, note the desperate condition of the leper and the delight of the Savior to heal and restore. Consider our own need to be restored from the brokenness of our own lives and look to the One who came to save and make whole.
Review & Apply
What is displayed in the leper as he comes to Jesus and speaks?
Where do you see his faith?
How does leprosy as something seen outwardly point to the greater evil of sin inwardly?
How does Jesus react to his appeal? How ought this adjust our views of Jesus?
Why did Jesus touch him?
How does this miracle help us see the desires of Jesus before a broken world?
Why the command to go show yourself to the priest? In what way does his disobedience hamper the ministry of the Lord?
How does this miracle story help us approach Jesus for the healing we need? what is needed to come to Jesus?
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