Mark 1:40-42 40And a leper came to him, pleading to him, and kneeling down and saying to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41And having compassion, after stretching out his hand he touched him and said to him, “I am willing, be clean.” 42And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
Mark continues to recount the healing ministry of Jesus. It is not stated where this next story takes place, but the thought is continued from verse 39 with further evidence of Jesus’ power to heal. The “good news” of the new kingdom Jesus brought was not focused only on words but shown in action. Many skin ailments were called leprosy at that time that might not be classified today as Hansen’s disease. Poor hygiene and various infections were common and caused many people problems. Leprosy is debilitating and disfiguring. At that time, people with it were isolated and thought to be contagious. Leviticus 13-14 gives rules for how to treat those with skin diseases, and Jews in the first century still followed these. Lepers were supposed to stay away from healthy people because they were considered unclean. It was bad news to be a leper.
This leper saw something special in Jesus and came close enough that Jesus could touch him. The leper broke social barriers out of his desperation for help. His faith is evident in several ways. One is simply how he approached Jesus by pleading and kneeling before him in recognition of his power to heal. Second, the leper’s request shows faith: If you will, you can. This is a good example of sincere faith. Somehow, this man had heard about Jesus and broke through the crowds and social taboos to reach him.
Jesus was moved with compassion (splangchnistheis) for the man and broke through the restrictions. This important word literally refers to the bowels, the place of deep feeling towards another. This word is characteristic of Jesus (6:34; 8:2).
He redefined the laws of purity by touching the unclean. The Old Testament law forbade anyone from touching a leper. No one remains impure when Jesus touches him or her. The touch of the Master always transforms. The healing was immediate, with a simple touch. Jesus’ healing ministry even went to the outskirts of society. Those who are not outcasts cannot fully appreciate Jesus’ compassion.
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