Mark 1:40-45 Made Clean by Jesus

Made Clean by Jesus

Mark 1:40–45

Introduction: The Outcast’s Hope

Imagine being so sick that you had to live away from your family, your friends, and your community. No one could touch you, and anytime someone came near, you had to shout, “Unclean! Unclean!” This was the life of a leper in Jesus’ time. Leprosy wasn’t just a painful skin disease—it made people complete outcasts. They were physically, socially, and spiritually isolated.

But one man, desperate for healing, did something bold. He came to Jesus, believing that if Jesus wanted to, He could make him clean. What happened next wasn’t just a miracle—it was a moment that revealed something deeper about who Jesus is. He didn’t just heal the man’s disease. He did what only a priest was supposed to do: He declared the man clean. But how could Jesus do that if He wasn’t a priest from Aaron’s family? The answer shows us that Jesus is not just any priest—He is the High Priest appointed by God Himself.

Background & Context

In the Old Testament, if someone had a skin disease like leprosy, they had to be examined by a priest. If the priest declared them unclean, they were required to live outside the camp, isolated from the rest of the community (Leviticus 13:1–3). They had to wear torn clothes, let their hair hang loose, and warn others to stay away by shouting, “Unclean, unclean!” (Leviticus 13:45–46).

But something different happened in this account. When this leper met Jesus, instead of avoiding him, Jesus reached out and touched him. That alone was shocking. According to the law, only a priest could declare someone clean—but Jesus didn’t go through the normal process. He simply spoke, and the man was healed.

This raises an important question: where did Jesus get the authority to do this?

Jesus, the High Priest

Jesus was not from the family of Aaron, which was required for the priesthood under the law. But He didn’t need to be. Long before the law was given to Moses, God had already revealed a superior priesthood through Melchizedek. Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, and he appears in the book of Genesis—blessing Abraham and receiving offerings from him (Hebrews 7:2). His priesthood came before the law, before the temple, and before Aaron ever offered a sacrifice.

The book of Hebrews explains that Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17), which means His priesthood is greater. Aaron’s priesthood was temporary and limited—it was established under the law and required continual sacrifices. But Melchizedek’s priesthood—and Jesus’—was eternal, royal, and established by the direct appointment of God. In fact, Aaron’s priesthood was only ever meant to be a shadow—a dim reflection of the greater role Jesus would fully reveal.

Jesus doesn’t just represent God to man. He is God, interceding on our behalf. And unlike the priests of Aaron’s order, who had to offer sacrifices over and over, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, final sacrifice once and for all (Hebrews 7:27). His priesthood never ends. He lives forever to intercede for His people, saving all who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:24–25).

The Veil Was Torn

When Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain was torn in two—from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50–51). This wasn’t just symbolic—it was a direct work of God. That curtain had separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where only the high priest could go, once a year, to offer atonement on behalf of the people.

But when Jesus gave His life, that physical barrier was destroyed by the sovereign hand of God. Access to Him was no longer limited to one man, once a year, through animal blood. The way was now open—because Jesus, the true and greater High Priest, had made full atonement through His own blood. The torn curtain was a visible sign to the world: through Jesus, sinners are made clean, and the way to God is now open.

Responding to Jesus

After healing the man, Jesus gave him a clear command: “Say nothing to anyone, but go to the priest and offer the sacrifice Moses commanded.” But instead of obeying, the man told everyone what had happened.

It’s easy to think he was just excited—but his disobedience had consequences. Because of the attention he brought, Jesus could no longer enter towns openly. He had to stay in lonely places. Even more, the man missed the opportunity to appear before the priests and testify that someone greater than them had come. Not just someone who could inspect the unclean—but someone who could restore them completely.

He shared good news, but ignored the words of the one who made him clean. He missed the greater testimony: that the true High Priest had arrived.

Conclusion: Jesus Still Makes People Clean

This account teaches us more than how Jesus healed a disease—it reveals His identity. He is the true and greater High Priest. He doesn’t just symbolize access to God—He is the access. He brings the unclean near. He restores what was broken. And He calls His people to trust and obey Him.

As a church, we must not base our actions on what seems right in our eyes. We must follow Jesus as He has revealed Himself. Our gatherings, our worship, and our daily lives must center on Him—our High Priest who has made us clean. And now, we live in obedience and hope, waiting for His return.

Scripture References

  • Leviticus 13:1–3 – Priests were required to examine those with skin diseases and determine if they were unclean.
  • Leviticus 13:45–46 – Lepers had to live outside the camp and announce their condition publicly.
  • Hebrews 7:17 – Jesus was appointed as a priest not from Aaron’s line, but after the order of Melchizedek.
  • Hebrews 7:2 – Melchizedek is described as both king and priest, pointing forward to Jesus’ greater role.
  • Hebrews 7:24–25 – Jesus’ priesthood is eternal, and He continually intercedes for those who come to God through Him.
  • Hebrews 7:27 – Jesus offered Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice for sins.
  • Matthew 27:50–51 – At Jesus’ death, the temple curtain tore from top to bottom, signifying access to God through Christ alone.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mark 1:1-8 The Promise of the Gospel

The Promise of the Gospel Mark 1:1–8 Introduction: A Long-Awaited Bloom Some flowers take a long time to reveal their beauty. The Queen of the Andes is one such plant. It grows quietly for almost 100 years before blooming only once, releasing thousands of smaller flowers and millions of seeds—then it dies. All those years of waiting finally lead to one moment of stunning fulfillment. This is a lot like the Gospel. From the very beginning, God planted a promise that one day a Savior would come to fix what was broken. Through years of waiting and many reminders, God carefully nurtured that promise. In Mark 1:1–8, we see that promise beginning to bloom. John the Baptist steps onto the scene to prepare the way for Jesus—the long-awaited Savior. The Promise of a Savior “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) The Gospel isn’t just a story—it’s the fulfillment of a plan God has been unfolding since the very beginning. After Adam and Eve sinned in...
Read more

Mark 4:35-41 Who Then Is This?

Who Then Is This? (Mark 4:35–41) Introduction Imagine hiring a contractor for a home renovation. You meet someone confident, knowledgeable, and reassuring, but when the work begins, the experience doesn’t match the promises. Calls go unanswered, deadlines are missed, and the finished product is disappointing. The person who made the promise isn’t the same person delivering the work. Unlike people, Jesus is entirely consistent. Who He claims to be is exactly who He is, both in word and action. In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus demonstrates His power over creation itself, proving that He is not just a messenger but the very Son of God. This passage challenges us to ask, as the disciples did, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41) Jesus’ Purpose: Preaching the Kingdom (Mark 4:35–36) As evening came, Jesus told His disciples, “Let us go across to the other side” (Mark 4:35). He had been teaching the crowds all day, but now He was moving on. Why? Because Jesus...
Read more

Obadiah 1-4 The Pride of Your Heart Has Deceived You

Image
Obadiah 1-4 The Pride of Your Heart Has Deceived You Main Point God has spoken, pride lies, and false saviors fail. Introduction The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, yet its message is sharp and clear. God will humble the proud, and false saviors cannot stand on the Day of the Lord. Obadiah speaks against Edom, the descendants of Esau, who placed their confidence in high rocks, strong defenses, and the pride of their hearts. This is not only ancient history. The same warnings confront us today. Judges showed that God’s people fell apart when they did what was right in their own eyes. Jude warned that false teachers twist grace and lead the church astray. Obadiah declares that those outside God’s covenant who trust in themselves will fall. Pride blinds. Sin destroys. God judges. Only His King can save (Obadiah 1:1 to 4). 1. A Message from the LORD of Coming Judgment Obadiah opens with a vision. The message did not come from his imagin...
Read more