Mark 1:43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning:
It seems almost counterintuitive that Jesus would give a “strong warning” to the now-healed-leper not to tell anyone about his healing. Telling others about Jesus and His presence in my life is a huge part of who I am.
Mark 1:44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”
Maybe the leper felt that way, too, or maybe he was just so relieved to be finally healed that he couldn’t contain himself. But as the news spread, it became harder for Jesus to do anything but heal, and while that was a crucial part of His ministry, it was not his sole purpose. The leper’s elation and gratitude ended up hindering Jesus’s mission.
Mark 1:45a Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places….
Precious Savior, Thank You that proclaiming Your goodness in my life is something I can do without restraint. Help me to share my story in a way that gives others hope and not in any kind of way that hinders Your work. Amen.
Mark 1:45b …Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Have a blessed day.