Audience of the Gospel of Mark
Mark is showing Roman believers that Jesus is not bound by social status or purity laws. In the story of how Jesus heals the leper in Mark, we see his willingness to reach out to the marginalized. This gospel is full of action and authority—and here, we see mercy in motion as Jesus does the unthinkable.
Key Focus of the Passage
A man with leprosy, cast out from society, makes a bold request. Jesus doesn’t flinch. He touches the untouchable and heals him completely. This shows Jesus’ authority over disease and His willingness to defy religious and social norms for the sake of love.
Scripture: Mark 1:40–45 (NASB)
And a man with leprosy came to Jesus, imploring Him and kneeling down, and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out with His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, to such an extent that Jesus could no longer publicly enter a city, but stayed out in unpopulated areas; and they were coming to Him from everywhere.
Person/People Jesus Interacted With
- A man with leprosy
- Religious authorities (indirectly through the command to show himself to the priest)
What Happened?
This man, desperate and bold, comes to Jesus and kneels. His faith is evident—he believes Jesus can heal him if He’s willing. Jesus is moved with compassion, reaches out, and touches him—a shocking act in that culture. Immediately, the man is healed.
Jesus then tells him to follow the law and remain quiet. But the man, overwhelmed, tells everyone. As a result, Jesus must minister in more isolated places.
Mood of the Moment
- Tender. Risky. Liberating. Overflowing.
- There’s a tension of desperation met with mercy—and the joy of healing collides with Jesus’ humility and strategy.
What Jesus Said
“I am willing; be cleansed.”
“See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest…”
Jesus affirms the man’s dignity and obedience to Mosaic law, even as He upends social norms.
Response of the Others
- The leper believes, asks boldly, and obeys partially (he tells everyone).
- Jesus responds with personal compassion and powerful healing.
- The crowds swell, drawn by the testimony of the healed man.
Lesson for Us in 2025
- Come Boldly, Even Broken: Don’t let your mess keep you from Jesus. He welcomes the unclean and outcast. “No mess, no ministry.”
- Jesus Isn’t Afraid of Your Leprosy: He touches what others avoid. Whatever part of your life feels shameful—bring it to Him.
- Healing Leads to Testimony: When God moves in your life, it often won’t stay secret. Steward your story well.
- Obedience Still Matters: Even when overwhelmed by joy, don’t forget the importance of following through on what Jesus says.
Jesus doesn’t just cleanse the body—He restores identity, dignity, and direction.
In the next post, we’ll see how Jesus responds to a paralyzed man lowered through a roof—and the bold friends who brought him. Don’t miss how Jesus meets both physical and spiritual needs.
Let Jesus touch what the world avoids—there’s healing in His hand.
