A Christmas story from the Gospel of Mark (yes, Mark)
The Gospel of Mark does not relate the Christmas story in the familiar way the Gospels of Luke and Matthew do, but read closely and you’ll see the meaning of Christmas is still evident in his message.
Mark, the protégé of Simon Peter, tells the story with urgency. He’s chronicling the life of the One whose brief earthly ministry couldn’t wait. In the Greek New Testament, the word “and,” which reflects a narrative that’s rushing onward, begins 35 of the 45 verses in Chapter 1 alone. A form of the adjective “immediately” is used 41 times in Mark’s Gospel. The phrase “and immediately” appears 30 times.
While the word denotes something that happens right away, this usage of “immediately” doesn’t refer to something that happens instantly. The action, rather, shows a thought process that’s orderly and is enacted at just the right time. Here’s one instance.
“And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching him and falling on his knees before him and saying, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ (And) Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.” (Mark 1:4042, NASB) This occurs at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.
Matthew and Luke begin their Gospels with the Nativity of the Son of God while Mark begins with Jesus’ baptism and temptation. Then, he goes forth to minister by healing the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. All these signs authenticate his message: repentance of sin and belief in the risen Redeemer lead to salvation.
Leprosy, in the Bible, can refer to any unsightly skin condition. Here, according to Luke’s report of this incident, the leper was “covered with leprosy.” This wasn’t a simple case of acne; this man likely suffered from Hansen’s disease. He follows the protocol of the day by calling out to Jesus from a safe distance. Begging the Lord’s help, he falls to his knees shouting, “If you are willing, You can make me clean!” This statement presupposes the leper had heard of Jesus’ healing abilities. Furthermore, he believed Jesus could heal him.
Jesus saw this individual’s need, heard his cry, and was moved by compassion. Now, Jesus apparently continued to walk toward the prostrate leper because he reached down and touched him, something no one else including a priest would consider. And Jesus said, “I am willing; be cleansed. (And) immediately, the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.”
Here’s the Christmas part of this good news story. This is the same Jesus — once the
Baby Jesus — of whom it was prophesied, “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23 quoting Isaiah 7:14) And he is the same Jesus of whom it’s written in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Jesus Christ is still in the healing business. He is ever full of compassion. He is able immediately to cleanse you of all your leprous sin. What a priceless gift waiting to be opened!
Merry Christmas!