Scripture: Mark 1:40-45 (NRSV)
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” 41Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” 42Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44saying 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.” 45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Reflection Questions
- What is the significance of Jesus touching the leper who had come, begging to be made clean?
- Why did Jesus tell the healed leper not to say anything?
- What happened when the word about Jesus began to spread?
- How do we keep Jesus from being effective?
- How can we get out of the way and let Jesus work?
Prayer
Lord, help me to get out of the way, if I am compromising your effectiveness. Amen.
