One of the most compelling healings of Jesus is the focus of today’s walk in the Gospel of Mark. Before we go too far, let’s read the Word.
“He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. Then he sternly warned him and sent him away at once, telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But he was out in deserted places, and they came to him from everywhere.” (Mark 1:39–45, CSB)
Jesus continued His ministry outreach to the region of Galilee using the local synagogues as the starting point. We aren’t told the where and when of Jesus’ encounter with the leper. Luke’s account in 5:12-14 says, “In one of the cities.” And yet we don’t know if this was a private encounter or out on the streets.
We know now that Leprosy is curable. Today, it is known as Hansen’s Disease and is treated with antibiotics. But in Jesus’ day, lepers were outcasts with no hope of a cure, as the disease caused disfiguring and debilitating damage to skin and nerves. Lepers were untouchable in both the Jewish Law and social interactions.
The first thing we notice in the passage is the Leper’s boldness. He sought out Jesus. He braved the reaction and revulsion of the city’s inhabitants. In his humble request, the leper recognized Jesus’ ability to heal and that it was up to Jesus to decide. Sometimes, saying “if you are willing” is a statement of great faith since it recognizes the ultimate sovereignty of Christ.
Jesus does three things in response. He was moved with compassion. I like to describe compassion as being motivated by love to action. However, we also see in the original language that Mark used a word to denote anger. Neither Matthew nor Luke indicates Jesus’ motivation in telling of this healing. Sometimes we are moved to compassion by several different emotions. It could be love for someone. It could be pity, and compassion can be stirred by anger. I do not think Jesus was angry at the man, but at the disease and the effect of sin on the world.
Jesus then does the unthinkable and impermissible: He touches the man. This is bigger than it may seem. Who knows how long it had been since the man experienced the touch of another? Jesus’ touch restored the man’s humanity and spoke in a simple action; this doesn’t scare me. With the touch, Jesus said, “I am willing, be made clean.” Healed and restored to being ritually clean according to Jewish Law. Healed and restored to fellowship and relationship with neighbors, friends, and family.
Being Christ’s ambassadors in this world means walking as He walked. Whether motivated by love or righteous anger, Jesus acted compassionately to set things right and bring people healing and wholeness. It also means touching the untouchables, connecting with the unreachables, restoring humanity to the outcasts. Not to make them feel better, but to introduce them to Jesus. The healing, whether physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or some combination, belongs to Christ.
Some of you may identify with the leper. Perhaps rejected and untouchable in some way by friends and family. Christ accepts you. He is willing to touch you and make you whole. It may mean recognizing something leprous about ourselves and taking it to the cross of Christ. It may mean walking in forgiveness. All I know is this: Jesus is willing to touch you and bring you into a relationship with Him where there is healing and wholeness.
- Mark – If You Are Willing - April 28, 2025
- Mark: Healing, Prayer, and Preaching - April 16, 2025
- Mark: With Authority - April 14, 2025
