Mark 1:40-45
Read the last two verses of the previous passage (Mark 1:38-39) and then read Mark 1:40-45 with those thoughts in mind.
At first glance, this passage seems to be centered on a miracle of healing, but in context we can see that it is an illustration of what happens when someone refuses to follow Jesus’ instructions. Jesus heals the desperate man of the disease that kept him cut off from his community and family, and then Jesus issues a “stern warning.” Jesus tells the man to go follow the law of Moses regarding healing of leprosy. If he had followed Jesus’ instructions, this would have been a public sign of the miraculous healing and a religious leader would have to recognize it as such, but the man does not listen to Jesus and instead spreads the news of his healing everywhere he goes.
Jesus has just begun to do what he came to do – bring Good News to all the towns in the region - and now he finds himself limited to isolated places and unable to enter a town. But even the careless behavior of the healed man cannot stop the proclamation that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus can’t go to them, but the people keep coming to him.
Read the passage again putting yourself in the “shoes” of the healed man.
Why do you think the man ignored Jesus’ stern warning?
Jesus often leads us in a direction that doesn’t fit with our natural instincts, but Jesus sees the bigger picture. If we claim to follow Jesus, what might keep us from remembering that he has a plan and knows what’s ahead?
We will all make mistakes. but Jesus has more than enough mercy to pick us up and get us back on track and Jesus’ plan will ultimately be fulfilled. Which would you rather be the prevailing truth of your life: that Jesus accomplished his plan because of your cooperation or in spite of you?
Spend a few minutes talking to Jesus about your response to the preceding question. If you are feeling guilt, tell him, and then allow his mercy to wash over you.
