Jesus, moved with compassion

Mark 1:40-45 details part of the story of the healing of the leper. Take a moment to look at the supernatural power of Jesus here for a moment. Mark’s record of this is significant for a certain reason since Matthew of Luke do not record the “compassion” in their accounts (Matt. 8; Lk. 5).

Verse 40

· The leper knew who Jesus was and came to Him for his healing.

· When he kneeled down, the leper recognized and submitted to the authority of Jesus.

· “If thou wilt” is the leper’s confidence in Jesus.[1]

Verse 41

· The movement of compassion by Jesus here is not recorded in the other two accounts.

· This is important because Mark’s overall presentation of Jesus is His role of a servant.

· Not only did the man have an issue with His physical body, but the Lord Jesus knew and understood that His life also needed healing

Verses 42-44

· Speaking with authority, Jesus authorized the leper to not tell of what Jesus has done. He sent him unto the priest.

· Jesus did not want to become simply known as a miracle worker.

· Jesus has a message to fulfill during His earthly ministry.

Verse 45

· The healed leper spreads the news of what Jesus has done.

· The leper’s disobedience to what Jesus commanded of him complicated things.

· People came only to see His works, not hear His words.[2] See Jeremiah 7.

These verses present three things to consider as you go into the weekend:

1. As the leper was essentially “cut off” from society due to his condition, we are also “cut off” from God because of our sin.

2. Just as when Jesus touched the leper out of compassion to make Him clean, Jesus reaches down to save sinners.

3. Follow the Word of God carefully. Follow what it says. Do what it says to do. As God gives instructions in His Word, we must adhere to keeping the commandments.

References

Card, Michael. Mark: The Gospel of Passion. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2012.

Cranfield, C. E. B. The Gospel According to Saint Mark. Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary series. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1959.

[1] Canfield, 91.

[2] Card, 42.