Mark 1:40-45

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus 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.” 45 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. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

For Reflection

I’ll never forget a time that I heard the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart and chose to ignore Him. I’m sure this has happened many times—much more than just that once—but for some reason this instance sticks in my soul like a splinter. We were sitting in church one Sunday when the pastor

explained that there was an elderly lady in the congregation who needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment. It was a small task. I could have taken her. It fit in my schedule and would have been a very simple thing for me to do. In fact, I felt the Spirit prompting me to volunteer.

But I didn’t want to.

In the passage we read today, the man with leprosy begs: “If you are willing, you can make me clean!” He could have said: “If you are able…” But he believed that Jesus was able to heal him. He never questioned Jesus ability; he only questioned his willingness.

How often do we find ourselves able to do the things that God is calling us to, but unwilling to follow through? Maybe serving is an inconvenience or we are already busy. Maybe the act of service will take us outside of our comfort zone or require us to stretch ourselves in some way. Whatever the reason, sometimes NO slips out easier than YES.

But God promises us that we stand in the place of blessing when we are aligned with His will. Did you take note of what happened at the end of the passage we read today? The man with leprosy was healed (a miracle!) and went away spreading the good news of Jesus (he couldn’t contain his joy!). Often, our unwillingness prevents us from receiving the rich gifts that God has in store for us.

I wonder, sometimes, what would have happened if I had taken that lovely lady to her doctor’s appointment. Maybe I missed a great conversation or that sweet feeling you get in your soul when the Holy Spirit whispers, “Well done.” Maybe I missed out on what could have been a beautiful friendship. I’ll never know. But I do know that when I am presented with opportunities to serve, I’m trying to train my heart to say a joyful yes.

For Discussion

• What is the difference between being able and being willing?

• Is there something in your life that you are able but unwilling to do? Are you ready to take the plunge? Why or why

• Are there legitimate reasons to say no? What practical steps can we take to make sure that we’re ready and able to serve?