Epiphany Season · Year B
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 14, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him... I will; be clean.” (Mark 1:41)
Mark 1:21–38 describes one twenty-four-hour period (from Sabbath morn to Sunday morn). All of this material (including through 1:45) traces Jesus’s ministry to the crowds, who are filled with wonder at each new illustration of his healing power over demons and all kinds of illnesses (1:23–28, 32–34), leprosy in particular (1:41–45). In addition, with each new powerful act, Jesus’s popularity soars. The news spreads after the first miracle (1:28), with “the whole town gathered at the door” (1:33). Jesus tries to get away for a time of prayer and learns that “everyone is looking for” him (1:37). Then, after his final healing miracle, he can no longer enter the towns because people are streaming to him “from everywhere” (1:45). This extreme popularity with the crowds will be contrasted with its polar opposite in 2:1–3:6, his growing rejection by and opposition from the leaders.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on Mark 1:40-45 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary's RCL commentary for the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (Year B), whose Gospel matches this reading exactly.
Mark 1 - The Beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the chapter, including the cleansing of the leper.
Mark 1:40 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic and modern commentary notes gathered verse by verse for the healing account.
Mark 1 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep collection of verse-by-verse notes, word studies, and quotations on Mark 1.
The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre walks through all four Mass readings, tying the leper of Mark 1 to the Levitical purity laws.
Reaching Out to the Lepers Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Robert Barron preaches the cleansing of the leper as life on the margins, the shame of sin, and restored worship.
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B (Sunday Connection) Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic catechetical background and family reflection questions on Jesus' compassion for the leper.
Background & Word Study
Mark (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's introduction to the origin, themes, and structure of Mark's Gospel.
Book of Mark Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of the literary design and message of Mark for context on the healing narratives.
Mark 1:40 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Word-by-word Greek text with parsing for the leper's plea and Jesus' response.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
How does Jesus cleanse the leper?
The leper begs on his knees, and Jesus, moved with compassion, does the unthinkable: he touches the untouchable and makes him clean.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Mark 1:40-45
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.