loudandclear

Mark 1:35-45

Notes by Niko Gruber

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  Later Simon and the others went out to find him.  When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”  So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons. A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”  Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.  Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning:  “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.

(((This passage starts with Jesus going to an isolated place to pray to God the Father. Because Jesus truly loves God He makes time to talk and listen to Him. He doesn’t depend on others to tell Him about God or just give God an hour once a week. When you are really in love you make time for that person. You don’t just hope to find some time at the end of the day. Jesus knows that His relationship with God is more important than anything else and models this for us by putting off other important things so that He can spend time talking to God.)))

(((After that Jesus decides to start moving on to other places even though there are still people needing healing around Him. Jesus wasn’t trying to ignore these people, but was aware of His limited time on earth. He wanted to use His time that He had left telling others of His Good News of new life.  Jesus didn’t want to keep this to Himself. Because He knew this was the best way to live He was sharing this with everyone so that more people could have true life. We must be willing to share the Good News of Jesus and how it has changed us, as this is a sign of our love for others.  The man with leprosy was changed so much, he couldn’t help but tell others about Jesus.  It was the natural reaction after his life changed.)))

(((Even though Jesus had just started His ministry He is already having to stay outside of towns because of His popularity. That’s because to people who were broken and hopeless, Jesus not only brought new life, but He also brought hope.)))