JESUS' LOVING TOUCH

Passage: Mark 1:40-45

Key verse: 41

NIV

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy(A)

40 A man with leprosy[a] came to him and begged him on his knees,(B) “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”

41 Jesus was indignant.[b] 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.(C) But go, show yourself to the priest(D) and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing,(E) 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.(F) Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.(G)

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Footnotes
  1. Mark 1:40 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.
  2. Mark 1:41 Many manuscripts Jesus was filled with compassion
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

40 (A)And a leper[a] came to him, imploring him, and (B)kneeling said to him, (C)“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 (D)Jesus[b] sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, (E)“See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, (F)show yourself to the priest and (G)offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, (H)for a proof to them.” 45 (I)But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter (J)a town, but was out in (K)desolate places, and (L)people were coming to him from every quarter.

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Footnotes
  1. Mark 1:40 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
  2. Mark 1:43 Greek he; also verse 45
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. The man with leprosy (40)

A man with leprosy came to Jesus one day. Leprosy is a repulsive disease. This man must have been lonely and fatalistic. He wondered if anyone was willing to help a person like himself. He overcame the mocking of the crowds and came to Jesus, ready to be rejected.

2. Jesus was filled with compassion (41-45)

Jesus was not repulsed; he was filled with compassion. Even though it was against the law to touch a leper, Jesus touched him with a loving touch. He dispelled his fatalism by his words, 'I am willing; be clean.' Then Jesus gave him instructions which enabled him to become an active member of society once more. He told the man to keep quiet, but because of his joy, he could not help but tell about Jesus' love. Because of his disobedience, Jesus' ministry was hindered.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your compassion and for your loving touch. Lord, give me courage and compassion to touch untouchables.

One Word: Jesus is always willing