Monday, February 22, 2010

Read Mark 1:40-45

The love of Jesus Christ shines in this passage in several ways. First Jesus heals a man who most others would shun. His simple touch relieves the man of a sickness which plagued his life and forced him to be ostracized from society. Second, the man’s faith is what brings him to Jesus. His faith is so strong that he comes to Jesus to beg on his knees. He doesn’t ask if Jesus can make him clean, he says “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” He knows that Jesus has the power to cleanse him, and trusts Jesus to do so. Third, Jesus’ graceful response, “I am willing.” This willingness cost Jesus his freedom, but this was a sacrifice Jesus was willing to make. Jesus has the power to cleanse, forgive, and restore those who are hopelessly and helplessly caught up in their sin and can see no way out. He does that even when it means sacrifice. Forgiveness and restoration do not come free or easy. They often involve sacrifice and putting self second.

Prayer

Jesus I am grateful for your compassion and grace. Thank you for your willingness to cleanse and forgive, even those who are weighed down by sin. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Nancy Ross