Epiphany · Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany · 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.
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Commentary
Commentary on Mark 1:40-45 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reading of Jesus cleansing the leper and the cost of the spreading news.
Mark 1 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical exposition covering the healing of the leper.
Mark 1 Commentary Precept Austin
Study page collecting Greek notes and cross references on the leper's cleansing.
Mark 1:40 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered verse by verse on Jesus' compassion and touch.
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B (Sunday Connection) Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic reflection and background on Jesus showing compassion to a man with leprosy.
Background & Word Study
Mark 1:40 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing, including the verb often rendered moved with compassion.
Enter the Bible: Mark Enter the Bible
Introductory background on the setting and themes of Mark's Gospel.
The Gospel of Mark Overview BibleProject
Animated overview mapping the literary design of Mark to frame the healing.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
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.
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