Mark 1:40-45
40 Then a man with leprosy[a] came to him and, on his knees,[b] begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion,[c] Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 Then he sternly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”[d] 45 Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But he was out in deserted places, and they came to him from everywhere.

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Then a man with leprosy came to him… 

  • Inescapable NUMBNESS   
  • UNCLEAN  identity 
  • ISOLATION from others 
  • REPULSION from society  
  • Consumed the WHOLE person  

Jesus Ministry to the Leper: Presence – Agreement – Affection – Fearlessness – Direction 

This man’s disease was the CONSEQUENCE of sin, but not the RESULT of his own sin. 

We often INTERPRET our suffering as making us UNCLEAN. 

  • JUST suffering is the result of sin that we commit, ie. the chaos that we bring into our lives.   Just Suffering = Guilt (I have done something to deserve this) 
  • UNJUST suffering is suffering that is a result of the brokenness in the world.  It’s not the consequence for sin.  Unjust Suffering = Shame (I must have done something to deserve this) 
  • MYSTERIOUS suffering is that suffering that we face that we cannot find the source of. Mysterious Suffering = Shame (God must be disappointed with me, or want me to learn a lesson. 

The Doctrine of EXPIATION: Through Christ, God does not just forgive sin; He removes its pollution.  

1 John 1: 7–9: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

  • EXPIATION tells the us: The defilement that was forced on you does not define you. Christ has washed you clean. 
  • EXPIATION gives us the courage to stop hiding, because we’re not met with condemnation—but cleansing. It allows us to say: “Yes, I have sinned.” “Yes, I feel defiled.” “And yes, Jesus has washed me clean.” 
  • EXPIATION allows us to externalize the shame we’ve carried. It affirms: “This was not your fault.” “The stain does not belong to you.” “In Christ, you are not dirty—you are clean, honoured, and beloved.” 
  • EXPIATION restores DIGNITY. It says: Jesus bore not only the penalty of sin but its stain, and He gave you His purity in return.  
  • EXPIATION  gives us a theological and emotional foundation for reclaiming their identity as whole, healed, and unashamed in Christ. 

Here’s the Ministry of Jesus to you: 

  • You have His ATTENTION - He KNOWS you.  He knows what happened to you.  He is not repulsed. 
  • You have His WILLINGNESS - He wants to help you.  He can make you clean, and He is WILLING. 
  • You have His AFFECTION - He will TOUCH you with the touch of grace not abuse. 
  • You have His DIRECTION - He will lead you.  If you obey Him you will have healing physical and emotional uncleanliness.