Touching the Untouchable

Touching the Untouchable – Dr. Living Lee

At CDC this Sunday, we had the privilege of listening to the very lively Dr.Living Lee who preached on Mark 1:40-45 on the message: Touching the untouchable.

40A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."

In those days, leprosy was a long, slow death sentence, and anyone who contracted the disease knew there was nothing more to life except misery, loneliness and brokenness. Lepers would be cut off completely from their family and friends, unable to touch or even come near a loved one. They would be unable to worship at the temple, unable to work, unable to do anything but beg and eke out a miserable existence. “Unclean, unclean”, they had to shout out, there was no hope, until now… The leper heard that Jesus could heal, and in complete desperation sought out the Lord’s healing.

It was a soft, desperate and broken cry, but the Lord heard him. The Lord Jesus will hear us too, if we come to Him in faith and brokenness. He said “whoever comes to me I will never turn away”.

 41Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

Let us know that the Lord is compassionate. Jesus touched the man, showing the compassion He had for him and his suffering. Let us also learn to be like Jesus and compassionate for others.

 43Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 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."

In those days, the priests were like the medical authority on leprosy, and they were able to inspect and determine if a leper was well. Jesus did not disregard their authority, but asked the man to go to them to confirm his healing. Today, when the Lord has performed a healing, it is not lack of faith to verify the healing with the doctors.  

45Instead 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. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Jesus never sought out popularity or the favor of large crowds. Instead, He often took time to be alone with God. We too must serve God for His glory, not for popularity or the favor of others, for we are but servants, obedient to the Master’s will.

God bless,

Jason