We begin a new chapter in Mark!  “When [Jesus] entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was at home” (Mark 2:1 WEB).  He humbled himself to dwell, not just with humanity, but with sinners and unbelievers.  Jesus truly comes and stays, even with us.  And we sing with Martin Luther, “Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A quiet chamber kept for thee.”

Mark relates of the cleansed leper, “But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places. People came to him from everywhere” (Mark 1:45 WEB). It's hard to blame this guy. He gave praise and glory to God in the person of Jesus. Was it his fault if people got the wrong idea? He had to tell how much Jesus had done for him!

Good morning from St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church! We pick up in Mark, “and [Jesus] said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them’” (Mark 1:44 WEB). The baptized are called to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. Look what Jesus has done for me!

Jesus exercised his power as God to heal a leper. Then we have a short and terse verse from Mark to wrap up our week: “[Jesus] strictly warned him and immediately sent him out” (Mark 1:43 WEB). We know the miracles of Jesus prefigured the healing baptism and forgiveness that he would give for the world. But at the time, people thought he was there to solve physical problems. Jesus dealt with these quickly and got on to the main event!

A leper asked for healing, and Jesus spoke the word. “When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him and he was made clean” (Mark 1:42 WEB). An awesome miracle! The work of Satan and the effects of sin undone in a moment! And we have Christ's work among us today, in baptism, absolution (forgiveness), and the Lord's Supper. In these miracles, Jesus cleanses us from sin and drives away Satan: instantly and powerfully!

Mark continues of Jesus: “Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, ‘I want to. Be made clean’” (Mark 1:41 WEB). God desires all to be saved. He promises that when we knock, the door will open. Still, his mercy is undeserved. We depend on him and must trust his mercy, yet we should also be surprised, that on us rebellious sinners he would have true compassion. Jesus loves me, even me!

Mark continues, “A leper came to [Jesus], begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, ‘If you want to, you can make me clean’” (Mark 1:40 WEB).  What a beautiful prayer.  This leper knows that what Jesus desires is not his own arbitrary pleasure or whim—no, Jesus desires what is good for me!  And if you desire it, Lord, you are able to wash and cleanse, restore, save, and resurrect your dear child.  I am in your hands.

Good morning from St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church! We continue with Mark's gospel about Jesus: “He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons” (Mark 1:39 WEB). Jesus evangelized (preached the gospel) all the time, but especially in the synagogues where the Jews would meet on the Sabbath. His coming as the Christ (Messiah) was the fulfillment—indeed the whole point!—of the Jewish religion.

“He said to them, ‘Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason’” (Mark 1:38 WEB). Jesus does not pursue worldly strategy. He doesn't solidify his base of supporters before moving out—instead, he spreads his Word liberally and to all! And we benefit. He preaches, not to become popular, but that some may believe. Through his humility, we will be exalted; by his death, we live!

“They found [Jesus] and told him, ‘Everyone is looking for you’” (Mark 1:37 WEB). How many of us wish and pray that everyone would look for Jesus? We would love to see our dear friends and neighbors turn to Christ and receive forgiveness in his name. But how humble is our Savior, who offers himself even to those who spurn him. Even in our text, everyone was looking for him, yet what did they (we) eventually do with him? “Crucify him!”