Trusting Jesus: Healing Beyond Our Brokenness
Summary
Have you ever considered how many times God has healed you, not just in dramatic ways, but in the ordinary, everyday moments that often go unnoticed? From childhood accidents to the wounds of adulthood, God’s healing touch is present throughout our lives, whether we recognize it or not. In Mark 1:40-45, we encounter a man known only as “the leper,” a person whose entire identity was consumed by his disease. He was defined by his affliction, just as we sometimes define others—or even ourselves—by our worst moments or most visible failures. Yet, this man approached Jesus with a faith that was both humble and bold. He knelt before Jesus, acknowledging both his own unworthiness and Jesus’ power, saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
This is not just belief in God’s existence, but a deep trust in God’s character and will. The leper’s faith was not a demand, but a surrender: “If you are willing.” Jesus, moved with compassion, did the unthinkable—he touched the untouchable. In that moment, healing flowed not just through the miracle of restored flesh, but through the simple, profound act of human connection. Jesus’ touch broke through the isolation and stigma, offering dignity and love where there had only been shame and separation.
After healing the man, Jesus instructed him to tell no one except the priest. Yet, the man could not contain his joy and spread the news everywhere. Ironically, while he was told to keep silent and could not, we who have been cleansed of something far greater—our sin—are commissioned to tell everyone, and yet so often we remain silent. Jesus’ desire was not for crowds seeking miracles, but for individuals with genuine faith who would follow him, trust him, and yield to his will, regardless of the outcome.
The story challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we content to be part of the crowd, seeking only what we can get from Jesus, or are we willing to trust him fully, even when the outcome is uncertain? True faith is not just belief, but trust—a trust that is rewarded not always with the miracle we want, but always with the presence and blessing of Christ. The invitation is to put our trust in Jesus, to let him minister to us in his way, and to share the good news of his healing and grace with others.
Key Takeaways
- True faith is not merely intellectual assent to God’s existence, but a deep, personal trust in his character and will. The leper’s approach—“If you are willing, you can make me clean”—shows a faith that surrenders outcomes to God, trusting him even when the answer may be “no.” This kind of faith transforms us from the inside out, moving us from mere belief to genuine relationship. [09:14]
- Jesus’ compassion is revealed not just in his power to heal, but in his willingness to touch the untouchable. In a world that isolates and stigmatizes, Christ’s touch restores dignity and breaks through barriers of shame and loneliness. We are called to embody this same compassion, offering healing presence to those who are hurting, whether through physical touch, a kind word, or simple acts of care. [11:40]
- Our identity is not defined by our worst moments, failures, or afflictions. Just as the leper was known only by his disease, we too can be tempted to see ourselves or others through the lens of brokenness. Yet, Jesus sees beyond our labels and offers us a new identity rooted in his love and grace, inviting us to wholeness regardless of our circumstances. [04:34]
- There is a profound irony in our response to God’s grace: the leper was told to keep silent and could not, while we are commissioned to share the good news and often remain silent. This challenges us to examine our willingness to testify to God’s work in our lives. The joy of salvation and healing is meant to overflow, compelling us to share with others the hope we have found in Christ. [16:20]
- Jesus was not interested in drawing crowds for the sake of popularity or meeting superficial needs. He sought genuine disciples—those who would follow him with intention and trust, not just those seeking miracles. The call is to move beyond being part of the crowd and to become true followers, trusting Jesus with our lives and yielding to his will, whatever it may bring. [20:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - God’s Everyday Healing
[00:38] - Childhood Accidents and God’s Care
[01:44] - Recognizing Ordinary Miracles
[02:00] - Jesus Heals the Leper (Mark 1:40-45)
[04:14] - The Leper’s Lost Identity
[05:29] - The Stigma and Severity of Leprosy
[06:58] - The Leper’s Faith and Approach
[08:43] - Faith: Trust vs. Belief
[10:12] - Jesus’ Compassion and Touch
[12:35] - Offering a Healing Touch
[13:28] - Trusting Christ for Wholeness
[14:41] - The Command to Remain Silent
[16:20] - Our Call to Share the Good News
[17:46] - Jesus and the Crowds
[20:37] - Real Faith vs. Crowd Mentality
[21:49] - The Blessing of Trusting Jesus
[22:29] - Prayer and Invitation to Trust
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Healing Touch of Jesus (Mark 1:40-45)
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### Bible Reading
Mark 1:40-45 (NIV)
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
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### Observation Questions
1. How does the man with leprosy approach Jesus, and what does he say to him? What does this reveal about his attitude and belief? ([02:56])
2. What is significant about Jesus’ response to the man, especially the act of touching him? ([10:49])
3. After healing the man, what instructions does Jesus give, and how does the man respond? ([15:02])
4. According to the passage, what effect did the man’s actions have on Jesus’ ministry? ([17:27])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The leper’s words, “If you are willing, you can make me clean,” show both humility and faith. What does this teach about the difference between demanding something from God and trusting his will? ([09:51])
2. Jesus’ willingness to touch the untouchable broke social and religious barriers. What does this say about the kind of compassion Jesus shows, and what does it mean for how we view people who are isolated or stigmatized? ([11:08])
3. The man was told to keep silent but couldn’t, while we are told to share the good news but often don’t. What does this irony reveal about our response to God’s grace? ([16:20])
4. Jesus seemed to avoid drawing crowds just for the sake of popularity. What does this suggest about what Jesus values most in his followers? ([20:37])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that God has healed us many times, often in ordinary ways we overlook. Can you recall a time when God healed you—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—in a way you didn’t recognize at first? How can you become more aware and thankful for these everyday healings? ([01:44])
2. The leper’s identity was wrapped up in his disease, just as we sometimes define ourselves or others by our worst moments or failures. Is there a label or past failure that you have let define you or someone else? How can you begin to see yourself and others through the lens of Jesus’ love and grace instead? ([04:34])
3. Jesus touched the man before healing him, offering dignity and connection. Who in your life might be feeling isolated, ashamed, or “untouchable”? What is one practical way you can reach out to them this week—with a visit, a call, a note, or a simple act of kindness? ([12:35])
4. The leper’s faith was not a demand but a surrender: “If you are willing.” Are there areas in your life where you are struggling to trust God’s will, especially when the outcome is uncertain? What would it look like to surrender those areas to him? ([09:51])
5. The healed man couldn’t keep quiet about what Jesus had done, but we often hesitate to share our stories of God’s work in our lives. What holds you back from sharing your faith or testimony? Is there someone you feel prompted to share with this week? ([16:20])
6. Jesus was not interested in crowds seeking only miracles, but in genuine followers who trust him. Are you more like a member of the crowd, seeking what you can get from Jesus, or are you following him with intention and trust? What is one step you can take to move from “crowd” to “disciple” this month? ([20:37])
7. The sermon challenged us to offer a “healing touch” to others, even if we can’t perform miracles. What is one specific way you can be a source of healing or encouragement to someone in your family, workplace, or community this week? ([12:35])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you trust him more deeply, to see yourself and others through his eyes, and to share his healing love with those around you.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus’ Compassionate Touch Brings Healing and Wholeness
Jesus’ encounter with the leper in Mark 1 reveals not only his divine power to heal but also his deep compassion for those who are suffering and isolated. Despite the risk and the social stigma, Jesus reached out and physically touched the man, offering him dignity, love, and restoration. This act of compassion was as healing as the miracle itself, showing that Jesus cares for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. In a world where many feel untouchable or unseen, Jesus’ example calls us to extend compassion and presence to those who are hurting, reminding us that even a simple touch or gesture can be a conduit of God’s love. [11:40]
Mark 1:40-45 (ESV)
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.
Reflection: Who in your life is feeling isolated or overlooked, and how can you offer them a tangible expression of compassion or presence this week?
Day 2: Real Faith Trusts Jesus’ Will, Not Just His Power
The leper’s approach to Jesus was marked by humility and profound faith—not just believing that Jesus could heal, but trusting Jesus’ will, whether or not healing would come. This distinction between believing in God’s existence and truly trusting in his character and intentions is crucial. Real faith surrenders outcomes to God, confident that his will is good, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. Such faith transforms us from the inside out, inviting us to trust Jesus with every part of our lives, regardless of the circumstances. [09:51]
Mark 1:40 (ESV)
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to move from simply believing in God’s power to truly trusting his will, even if the outcome is uncertain?
Day 3: We Are Cleansed of Sin—A Greater Miracle Than Physical Healing
The story of the leper’s cleansing points to a deeper reality for every follower of Christ: through Jesus, we have been cleansed of something far more deadly than leprosy—our sin. This cleansing was accomplished not by a mere touch, but by the sacrificial blood of Jesus. It is a miracle that brings new life, freedom, and hope, and it is meant to be shared. Yet, while the leper could not keep silent about his healing, we often hesitate to share the good news of our salvation. Remembering the magnitude of what Christ has done for us should move us to joyful testimony. [16:05]
1 John 1:7 (ESV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your story of God’s forgiveness and transformation with this week, and what would it look like to do so?
Day 4: Jesus Seeks Disciples, Not Just Crowds
Jesus’ response to the leper’s testimony reveals that he was not interested in drawing crowds for the sake of popularity or meeting superficial needs. Instead, he sought genuine followers—people who would trust him, learn from him, and commit to his way of life. The temptation for churches and believers is to focus on numbers or comfort, but Jesus calls us to deeper discipleship, to follow him with intention and heart-level commitment. Being part of the crowd is easy; being a disciple requires surrender and growth. [20:37]
Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to settle for being part of the crowd rather than actively following Jesus as his disciple, and what is one step you can take toward deeper commitment?
Day 5: Trusting Jesus Brings Wholeness, Even When Life Is Broken
The leper’s story is a reminder that wholeness is found not in perfect circumstances, but in trusting Christ with our lives. No matter what is broken—finances, relationships, health—Jesus invites us to bring our troubles to him and trust that he will work for our good. This trust may not always result in the miracle we hope for, but it always brings blessing, peace, and a sense of being held by God. The invitation is to surrender, to let Jesus minister to us in his way, and to discover the wholeness that comes from faith in him. [14:23]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one area of brokenness or struggle you need to entrust to Jesus today, believing that he can bring wholeness in his way and timing?
Quotes
God has healed all of us many times over throughout our lives. It's just that we don't always give him credit for it unless it's some sort of dramatic healing. These ordinary everyday sorts of miracles we don't call miracles because they're ordinary and every day. [00:00:23]
The first thing that this text tells us about this man is that he was a leper. Now, the NIV translates it uh sensitively, if you will. It says, "A man with leprosy came to him, but the text literally uses a noun. A leper came to him." Doesn't use his name. We don't know his name. He's anonymous, essentially robbed of his identity by his disease. He's simply known as a leper. [00:03:52]
We want to be known for the best thing in our lives, what we do best or what we know best or what we love best, not the worst thing in our lives or the most embarrassing things in our lives. We don't want to be known as that little chicken chaser who hit his head on the lawn mower. We want to be known for the good things, but this man known for his disease. [00:04:43]
Leprosy was extremely contagious. It was worse than COVID. It was maybe the Ebola of that day. People ran from it like the plague because that's what it was. It was a plague, if you will. You may read in the margin of your Bible that the word for leprosy was used for a variety of skin diseases, not just leprosy. [00:05:19]
The question that comes to mind then is, what made this man who had leprosy think that Jesus could heal him? Leprosy was considered to be unccurable. Only God could do anything about leprosy. And yet this guy thinks Jesus can cleanse him. Could it be that he had seen the power of God in Jesus ministry somehow? [00:06:45]
Now, apparently this guy had been so beaten down by life and so pushed down and convinced that he was unworthy. Maybe he doesn't think he's good enough or deserves to be healed by Jesus. If you are willing, he says, but then he continues, you can make me clean. You can make me clean. [00:07:48]
It's not so much a request as it is a confession of faith, isn't it? He's saying, "Whether you choose to do it or not, I know that you're able to cleanse me of this leprosy." That's faith. That's what Jesus is looking for then and now. [00:08:15]
The difference between faith as belief in something that may or may not exist and faith as trusting in God is enormous. The first is a matter of the head, the second a matter of the heart. The first can leave us unchanged. The second intrinsically brings change. [00:09:12]
He not only believed Jesus was God in that Jesus had the power to heal what no one else could, but he also trusted in Jesus will for him. if you are willing, he says. Now, of course, he had hoped that it was Jesus' will to heal him, but he was trusting him even if it weren't. [00:09:40]
Even though it may not always fit into his will for us to heal our bodies, he is always willing to help. He is always willing to assist, to minister to us if we trust him. And Jesus did two significant things for this man. [00:10:21]
No one touched lepers. It was too dangerous. The threat of of contagion was too high. They were literally the untouchables, if you will. They were shunned. They were isolated. They were starved for human touch. And this man would have certainly been no different. [00:11:02]
You and I I may not be able to cleanse lepers, but we can offer a healing touch to those who need it, to those who are starving for it, to those who are hurting. A pat on the back or an arm around the shoulder can do wonders. But there are other ways to touch people that can help as well. [00:12:38]
When we put our trust in Christ, we are never disappointed. This man had his trust rewarded with healing. Our trust may be rewarded differently, but it is always rewarded. It is never a mistake to trust Christ. [00:13:34]
Your finances can be a wreck, your marriage in shambles, your kids in rebellion, but you can be whole if you put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to take care of you to work all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his promise. [00:14:15]
If you think Jesus might have been disappointed in this man for telling others when he had told this man not to, don't you imagine he's disappointed in us when he has commissioned us to tell others, but we don't. We're no more obedient than this man was to what Jesus instructed him to do. [00:16:34]
The Jesus that we find in the Bible isn't interested in pandering to the self-centeredness of the multitudes just so he can draw a crowd. Jesus knew something about crowds that we tend to forget. The Methodist author J. D. Walt says, "One day they're shouting, hosana to the son of David and the next, crucify him. They can't be trusted, those crowds." [00:19:24]
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