Show Don't Tell: Mark 1:40-45

Instead of saying "Jesus healed a leper," feel the forbidden touch. A man with leprosy comes to Jesus and falls on his knees: "If you are willing, you can make me clean." He doesn't doubt Jesus' power—only his willingness. Would anyone want to touch someone like him? Jesus is "indignant" (some manuscripts say "moved with compassion")—either moved by the man's suffering or angry at the disease that ravaged him. He reaches out his hand and touches the man. Touches him. When was the last time anyone touched this man? "I am willing. Be clean!" Immediately the leprosy leaves him. Jesus sends him away with a strong warning: don't tell anyone, just show yourself to the priest. But the man goes out and begins to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus can no longer enter a town openly. The healed man goes everywhere; Jesus must stay in lonely places. They trade places.