The Ministry of Jesus in Galilee

Mark 1:16—8:30

A New King (1:16—3:6).

Kingdom is Near (1:15)

  1. Popularity (1:16-45).

    1. First Disciples Called (1:16-20).

    2. Capernaum Synagogue (1:21-28).

    3. Healing Peter’s Mother-in-law & Others (1:29-39).

      Jesus’ purpose (1:35-39).

      Other purpose statements: Mark 2:17; 10:45; Matt. 5:17; 10:34-35; Luke 19:10; John 6:38; 10:10; 12:27; 18:37.

    4. Cleansing a Leper (1:40-45).

      1. What is leprosy?

        1. Leprosy as we think of it is known as Hansen’s disease.

        2. This is the type of flesh-eating bacteria where pieces of you fall off.

        3. No one who studies these things thinks this is the biblical leprosy.

        4. The Greek word is actually λέπρα, while the Hebrew word in the OT is צָרַעַת (tsara’ath).

        5. It would make sense for these two things to be the same.

        6. To think that tsara’ath is Hansen’s disease would be anachronistic—such things were very sporadic in the ancient world.

        7. In Lev. 13, we read of all manner of skin diseases labeled tsara’ath.

        8. Modern names for some of these is: psoriasis, eczema, impetigo, ringworm, even smallpox.

        9. Some of these are contagious while others not.

        10. Without further tests it is difficult for one, particularly an ancient man, to tell some of these skin diseases apart—better be safe than sorry.

        11. In the OT, when one is said to have tsara’ath, he must be put under quarantine (Lev. 13:45-46).

        12. Such a person is considered unclean as long as they have the tsara’ath.

        13. Modern leprosy is incurable, but many of these other skin diseases are treatable/curable.

      2. Whatever the case, the purpose for this isolation could be for ritualistic reasons rather than for their health.

        1. Such skin blemishes represented sin, just as leaven does.

        2. Sin spreads just as these conditions do.

        3. They were declared unclean, and touching something unclean makes them unclean—which Jesus does (talk later).

      3. Consider the faith of this leper.

        1. He showed great humility to Jesus.

        2. He likely heard about Jesus before this.

        3. He knew that if He were willing, He could cleanse him.

        4. Note, the word is “cleanse,” not heal (though Luke says “heal”).

        5. Such skin diseases would prevent him from corporate worship, from living with his family, even from living within the city.

        6. Cleansing him (not strictly healing him) would allow him to take part in society again.

      4. Moved with compassion.

        1. Some manuscript evidence says He was angry, not compassionate.

        2. Why might Jesus be angry here?

        3. Perhaps of the violation this man had of the Law which quarantined him?

        4. that’s if anger is indicated.

        5. He showed compassion by cleansing him, helping him, simply touching him.