Mark chapter one records that Jesus walked along the shore of Galilee healing diseases and teaching in the synagogues. It mentions the word "many" were healed on several occasions. He drove out "many" with demons and "many" came to see him. In fact verse 33 of chapter 1 mentions that the "entire town" came to see him. The crowds were innumerable and the people who were healed could not be counted anymore. Of all the miracles performed that day only two were mentioned specifically by the author. One, was Simon's mother in law, and the other was the leprous man. The author Mark probably knew Simons mother in law, so he would recall the event quite easily, but my question is why does the leper stand out? I would venture to say that his heart was in the right place while the others were not. He was seeking a healer, not just a healing. He was interested in the relationship with Christ, not just the results of Christ. I believe that this is what Christ is seeking in us today. An ongoing, minute by minute servanthood relationship rather than a quick "thank you Jesus, I'll see you later" relationship. Let's scan the details:
The man approached with respect and politeness: On his knees he came and begged for his healing. He did not doubt Christs ability, he doubted his worthiness to receive the healing he so desperately needed. “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
The man received a compassionate response from Jesus. While some translations say: "Jesus was indignant", a better translation says that he was "moved with compassion". This makes more sense because of what Christ did after He responded to the man. "He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed." (v. 42). If you recall from the old testament, it was forbidden to touch a leper, but Jesus willingly did. He looked at him and healed him because he loved him. Jesus loved him because this man had faith, which perhaps the others did not.
The man could not contain his joy, but shared with the world what Jesus had done. Although it seems that this was not what Jesus wanted, he wanted him to tell the priests that the Messiah was here, he rather told those around him and forgot about the priests. It is kind of hard to blame him for disobedience, I am sure that religion was the last thing on the ex-lepers mind, he wanted everyone to know about Jesus.
This whole episode brings us to the point of prayer. Are you asking Christ in your prayer life with faith, approaching him humbling and being willing to be used by Him? Or are you simply looking for a healing and not the healer? Are you looking for a need to be met or a needing to meet the healer. Look beyond your need and get to know the one who wants to get to know you.
Peace.
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