Gospel of Mark Bible Part 10: Jesus Cleanses the Leper [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Mar 9
- 3 min read
Bible Study Title: From Wretched to Clean – The Compassion of Christ
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:40-45
Opening Prayer
Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the seriousness of sin, to give you humility to seek His cleansing, and to keep you faithful to His commission.
Introduction
Leprosy was a devastating physical disease that brought isolation, shame, and hopelessness. In Scripture, it serves as a powerful picture of sin—progressive, defiling, and separating us from God and others. In this passage, a leper comes to Jesus in humility and faith, and Jesus responds with compassion and power. But the story also warns us about the dangers of misdirected zeal.
Bible Reading
Read Mark 1:40-45 and compare with Matthew 8:2-4 and Luke 5:12-14.
Section 1 – The Leper’s Condition and Our Condition
Physical reality: Pain, nerve damage, disfigurement, and total social isolation (Leviticus 13:44-46).
Spiritual parallel: Sin is to the soul what leprosy is to the body—corrupting, enslaving, and separating us from God (John 8:34; Isaiah 59:2).
All are infected with sin (Romans 3:23) and its result is death (Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8).
Discussion Questions:
How does the picture of leprosy help us better understand the seriousness of sin?
In what ways have you seen sin “isolate” people from God and His people?
Section 2 – The Leper’s Cry and Our Appeal to Christ
His request was:
Earnest: “Pleading with Him”
Reverent: “Falling on his knees”
Humble: “If You are willing”
Faith-filled: “You can make me clean”
Specific: “Make me clean” (not vague or general)
This is a model for our own prayer for forgiveness (Acts 2:21, 37-41; Acts 22:16; 1 John 1:9).
Discussion Questions:
How does the leper’s approach to Jesus model how we should approach Him in prayer?
Why is it important to be specific in confessing our sin to God?
Section 3 – The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Forgiveness
Jesus’ compassion: He touched the untouchable and said, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Instant change: Immediately the leprosy left him.
Our cleansing is also instant when we turn to Christ in humility and faith (Romans 6:3-7; Colossians 2:12-13; 1 John 4:9-10).
Reflection: If forgiveness is immediate for those who repent, why do many still carry guilt?
Section 4 – The Leper’s Commission and Our Mission
Jesus told him to keep silent, go to the priest, and make the required offering (Leviticus 14:1-7) as a testimony.
Instead, the leper spread the news, causing ministry disruption.
Our commission: Preach the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47).
Misplaced zeal can harm ministry when it pursues personal agendas instead of God’s instructions.
Discussion Questions:
Why did Jesus command silence in this case?
How can misplaced zeal harm the work of the gospel today?
Memory Verse
Mark 1:41 – “Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’”
Closing Challenge
This passage calls us to come to Jesus as the leper did—earnestly, humbly, and in faith. It reminds us that Christ’s compassion is greater than our sin, and His cleansing is immediate for those who trust Him. But it also warns us to obey His commands fully so our zeal supports, not hinders, His mission.
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