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Mark 1:40
The magnitude of the situation of a leper approaching a “clean” person, as described in the Old Testament must be realized. As God gave the Law to Moses, the regulations concerning leprosy (a skin disease) are described in Leviticus 13-14. A person determined to have leprosy as per the priest, was considered “unclean” and was isolated for a period of time for the leprosy to heal. No person being “unclean” was allowed to participate in any of the ceremonies of the Law and was to reside “outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:46). For this man to approach Jesus was a great feat of his faith in Jesus to heal him; and the reaction of Jesus, as we will see, is just as outrageous.
This is an example of having great faith in the healing power of Jesus.
Jesus came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). The Law was purposed to give man the opportunity to prove, or not, his own power to redeem himself, which was proven to not be possible as man continued to live in sin. But Jesus came to do what man could not in redemption; Jesus came to fulfill the requirements of the Law. But as we see in Mark 1:40, this man, obviously considered “unclean” by his peers, came to Jesus in great faith that Jesus could heal him. When we come to Jesus for healing or help in a situation, we too must come to Him in faith – great faith that Jesus has the power to heal us. The Bible teaches us in Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV), “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is full of examples of great faith, and is for our encouragement to have great faith in our pursuit of God working in our lives. Faith is the key as we learn from the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:11-12 stating, “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” Jesus is our Rock – our Strong Tower; and we should have great faith in Him.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see through the faith of the leper that came to You for healing, that we too should come to You in confidence with our needs – that You are the Almighty Power – that You are our solid Rock in which does not break. Dear LORD, please help us to have great faith in Jesus our Savior to heal our every need. In Jesus name I pray, amen.