Epiphany Season · Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
Mark 1:40-45
A Man With Leprosy
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: Mark 1:40-45
Commentary
Commentary on Mark 1:40-45Commentary on Mk 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 JesusMk 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 CommentariesMk 1:40 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic and modern commentary notes gathered verse by verse for the healing account.
Mark 1 CommentaryMk 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
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.