Gospel

A Stern Warning Not Obeyed

by Roland Crim
07/21/19
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Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “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.” 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. Mark 1:43-45 NIV

Why did this man, cured of his leprosy, not do as instructed by Jesus? Why did he speak so freely about what Jesus had done when Jesus told him not to do so? I believe it is because the man was so overjoyed with being cured. No longer was he to be kept isolated from others. No longer would he be looked down upon.

And why did the Lord give the man a stern warning about not revealing that which He had done for him? I believe Jesus did so as He knew many would them come to Him for physical healing. Sure this is nice to be physically healed by Jesus, but there is something much more important. Jesus wants all to come to Him for healing of the heart and soul. He wants all to believe in Him as God’s only Son, sent to provide us with salvation. It is so easy to get caught up in the physical needs of our body. Too often we ignore our spiritual need. Prepare yourself for eternal wealth. Place your focus there. Jesus knows your needs and will provide for them according to His will.

Jesus was no longer able to publicly enter a town, but needed to stay outside of towns. Yet people still came to Him. Hopefully many hearts and souls were healed, along with body ailments being removed.