This summer, during “Our Next Guest Is” series, the Daily Bible Readings will take you on a journey through the book of Mark. We’ll take an in-depth look at the life of Jesus, introducing you to all of the different guests, themes, and spiritual disciplines Jesus interacted with and practiced throughout the book. Our hope and prayer is that you’ll meet Jesus in new and fresh ways as we journey together through the Gospel according to Mark.
Day Five Mark 1:40-45
40 A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” 42 Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. 43 Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: 44 “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
45 But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him. – Mark 1:40-45 (NLT)
Discover
1. Read Leviticus 13:45-46 (ESV) to learn more about the law for those with leprosy.
2. What risk was the man taking to approach Jesus and what risk was Jesus taking to heal him (note how Jesus chooses to heal the man)?
3. What happens to Jesus as a result of the man’s disobedience to not tell anyone?
Respond
Jesus hated the effects of our fallen world on human beings – sin, disease, death. He always had compassion for those suffering from such things. Who in our world today may have the same stigma of a leper? Is there an outcast person or group of people God has given you compassion for? Ask today for His compassion to flow through you to others and for an opportunity to bring them a touch from Jesus, whatever that may look like.
For Further Reading: Enduring Word’s Mark 1 Commentary
For Families with Kids at Home
We see from this story that Jesus had a heart for the people society tends to reject or look down on. Ask your kids who in their school or circle of influence is looked down on or treated poorly by others. Help them brainstorm ways that they can practice compassion towards them, then pray that God would give them courage to act the next time the opportunity presents itself.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all For Further Reading/Learning sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.