READY, WILLING, AND ABLE
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Opening Prayer
Thank you for your Word, Father, that tells me of the fathomless love of my Savior and teaches me how to follow him.
Read MARK 1:40—45
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Mark
Mark 1
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”
42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.
43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning:
44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Reflect
What big thing would you like God to do? Have you asked him about it? How has he responded?Yesterday, we read of Jesus’ determination to meet the needs of many. Mark distinguishes this incident of one-on-one healing as the very next episode. No accident!
This man does not approach Jesus with a question, but a statement. He is quite sure that Jesus can heal him. The issue is not about power or capability. It is all about engagement. He is exploring a relationship through the portal of a health challenge. Jesus both speaks to this man and touches him in order to bring healing. No one had probably touched the man for years. His whole life is changed in an instant.
Jesus and his disciples now have a problem of crowd control! This man’s exuberant disobedience (v. 45) is the catalyst to draw many people to him. Can you imagine the energy that must have taken? He is so eager to tell everyone how Jesus changed his life that he has started an avalanche of interest in what Jesus has to say. Jesus’ mission is not derailed. It is amplified.
Apply
Who knows about how Jesus has changed your life? Who would benefit from knowing? Ultimately, that good news is not really about you, but about him. Mustard seeds can grow into very large trees. Don’t be deceived by the size of the seed!
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for offering me so much more than physical healing; you have given me life with you. Help me to share your life-giving message with others; I long to see your kingdom grow.
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