Mark 1:43-45 43And after sternly warning him, he immediately sent him away, 44and he said to him, “See that you say nothing to no one, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a witness to them.” 45But after going out, he began to preach freely and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer publicly enter into a city but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every direction.
Jesus’ response to the healed lepper may seem harsh or unneeded. The verb sent away is the same word used to cast out demons in verse 34. Jesus was sending the man away with a strong warning and instructions on what to do next. The reason for it comes from the religious context. He gave the man specific directions about what to do after his healing that would certify his healing, make it possible to offer sacrifices, and be restored to his family and community. The healing was not over until the man was restored to his community. Jesus respected the demands of the law and had the man fulfill the law in order to be accepted back. Only Jesus could cure such a disease, which would be a witness to the authorities and give them an opportunity to believe in him.
The man was likely so filled with wonder, excitement, and gratefulness that he went out a told people what had happened. Mark uses words that are connected to the gospel. The man preached (kēryssein), the same word used for Jesus’ preaching. He also spread the word, a possible inference to the “good news” of Jesus. Although the man’s failure to obey instructions resulted in a more difficult ministry for him, he serves as an example of discipleship. Healing should lead to witnessing. But as word spread, more and more people flocked to Jesus, so much so that he could not enter into any city. He did not want to be seen as a magician but as the one people could trust and believe in. He could not escape the people, even out in the wilderness.
This story reveals the need to trust and obey Jesus’ commands exactly and follow his will, even when we do not understand fully. This is the first of several setbacks in Jesus’ ministry. These setbacks focus on misinterpretations of his authority and ministry. This chapter develops the identity of Jesus as the divine “Son of God.” Jesus had authority in his preaching and power over diseases and demons. Two problems for him begin to emerge in this chapter: the growing opposition from some religious leaders, and the overwhelming popularity that made his ministry difficult.
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