Mark 1:40-45 A leper cleansed

A leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away, 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.

Two lessons are learned from this text. If you are seeking Jesus intervention in your life, it is right to beseech him or praise him, lifting up his holy name. Also, admit that he can do all things if he is willing. Jesus is very inclined to help a poor sinner who confesses Jesus’ ability and seeks his help in his life. However, when Jesus does consent to help you, he will usually do it with a command that follows: See to it that you do not publicize the event as it is not his will for all people. We must listen to Jesus’ imperatives if we are to be truly thankful to him.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that you can do all things in my life. As such, give me the faith necessary to call on your name and not to try to live my life apart from you. In your holy name I pray Amen.