#BibleStudy Signs and Wonders – Miracles: A Man With Leprosy – Mark 1:40-45 – Discussion Highlights 03-07-2021

Until we finish, my Sunday school class is studying Miracles of Jesus on the list below. The comments below are from our discussion this week.

 

Signs and Wonders – Miracles

Sunday School Lesson Series

Based on Signs and Wonders: Thirteen Miracles from the Life of Christ 

Serendipity House ©1998 - ISBN: 1-57494-107-0

 

Miracle #3 – A Man With Leprosy – Mark 1:40-45

In Jesus’s day, lepers were banned from living in only a few cities in Israel. What are some of the protocols that guaranteed physical and emotional isolation? Check your answer to the first question on this miracle, then explain how one of each does that.

We commented on the current COVID-19 situation as eerily similar.

Physical Isolation Protocol

• Quarantined
• No travel.
• Wear a bell/Carry a staff and should “Unclean!”

Emotional Isolation Protocol

• NO HOPE.

Why did the leper add “if you are willing” to his request?

• He had a good grasp of God’s will.
• Humility.
• The authority of Jesus.
• A natural response to isolation.
• Touching a leper made that person unclean, too.

Have you ever experienced being filled with compassion? Describe the situation and how you felt. 

• Going to Mexico and helping in an orphanage.
• Being present with a family that lost a loved one unexpectedly. Helping those grieving to heal.
• Going to Mother Theresa’s facility in India.
• Helping build homes in Mexico with Amor Ministries.

IMMEDIATELY. Find related terms in Ch 1. Why is Mark fixated with that concept?

Much of this depends on the translation used.

• Instantly. V 42 
• Without delay. V19
• Other places make it clear that Mark wanted us to know that Jesus in a hurry to serve God.
• These terms express how crucial the disciple’s ministry was.

Find this miracle in Matthew and Luke. How is each of the three descriptions unique?

• Mark – How it happened.
• Matthew- Different audience, a slight change of focus.
• Luke: The intentional touching of the leper by Jesus. The man fell down and prayed, but didn’t beg.

Mark 5:19 is the only recipient of a “private” miracle not told to keep quiet. 

Who’s healed? 

• The man with the Legion of demons in him.

What did doctors do in Jesus’s day?

• We figured priests were the doctors so… They diagnosed and treated according to Levitical Law.
• Other “doctors” of the time used leeches and natural “drug” sources.

Prior to this miracle, how many lepers were healed in the O.T.? Include references.

• Miriam: Numbers 12
• Naaman: 2 Kings 5.

Describe the Priests’ awkward position when the leper goes to them to validate Jesus' healing power.

• If they declare him clean, they validate Jesus and His ministry.
• If they refuse to declare him clean, they are lying to God. 
• It’s pretty much a “catch-22” for the priest.
• Although told not to tell anyone, the leper ignores/defies Jesus’s command.

Why?

• He had to tell what happened.
• He was excited.
• It was good news.
• He got his life back.
• He told his friends who told others.
• His new appearance shouted good news.

What can we learn about what makes an effective witness for Christ from the leper?

• This answer is for your personal reflection.

Jesus healed people, but what was his real mission?

• Do God’s will.
• Introduce God.
• Good News.
• Sacrifice and Savior.
• Introduce the Kingdom of God.
• Reconciliation. 
• Fulfill prophecy.

 

We Got This Far This Week

FOR THE NEXT THREE WEEKS, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING EVENTS AT THE END OF THE LENTEN SEASON. I DON'T PLAN ON POSTING ANY OF THE DISCUSSION.

If you would like the resource we are using and the associated questions, email me.

 

SEO: Jesus' ministry, New Testament, thinking, knowing God

 

 

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