David Bahn – Reflections

Jesus went back again to the shore of Lake Galilee. A crowd came to him, and he started teaching them. ¹⁴ As he walked along, he saw a tax collector, Levi son of Alphaeus, sitting in his office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Levi got up and followed him.

¹⁵ Later on Jesus was having a meal in Levi’s house. A large number of tax collectors and other outcasts was following Jesus, and many of them joined him and his disciples at the table. ¹⁶ Some teachers of the Law, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with these outcasts and tax collectors, so they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such people?”

¹⁷ Jesus heard them and answered, “People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts.”

¹⁸ On one occasion the followers of John the Baptist and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came to Jesus and asked him, “Why is it that the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but yours do not?”

¹⁹ Jesus answered, “Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to go without food? Of course not! As long as the bridegroom is with them, they will not do that. ²⁰ But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

²¹ “No one uses a piece of new cloth to patch up an old coat, because the new patch will shrink and tear off some of the old cloth, making an even bigger hole. ²² Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskins, because the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.” – Mark 2:13-22

I wrote two letters. In one letter I expressed my desire to continue to serve the congregation to which I had been called 11 years previously. It was true, heartfelt, and sincere. The other letter was to the congregation I currently serve. It was true, heartfelt, and sincere. When I read the two letters, I knew which one I would be sending.

And so I came to St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, Texas. I was happy where I was currently serving. We had great friends there. We would miss them when we left. But there was an opportunity in Cypress and I was compelled to accept the call. It was an invitation from God through the people here. I’m glad I did.

The opportunity offered to Matthew was directly from God, not mediated through a congregation or even a religious official. It was simple and direct: “Follow me.” And Matthew got up, left his tax office, and followed Jesus. 

There is no hint in Mark’s account about whether Matthew had any previous encounter with Jesus, or knew anything about his teaching or ministry. There is no indication that Matthew had grown tired of his duties as a tax collector. But we do know that Matthew was not the only one. He hosted a dinner party for Jesus where a “large number of tax collectors and other outcasts…joined him and his disciples at the table.”

Most of us don’t have such profound life-changing encounters with Jesus…at least not at first blush. But there come opportunities day after day which can change the course of our lives in ways beyond knowing. 

You agree to serve as a Sunday school teacher and end up encouraging a young man to take his faith seriously. He does and becomes a pastor. You are invited to serve as a confirmation table guide. A girl in your group struggles with issues of sexual identity and you listen and teach her that God created us male and female. She grows up to claim her identity as a young woman of God. You accept a friend’s invitation to a Bible class and you make a friend who becomes your best friend forever. 

Sometimes such opportunities are obvious beyond measure. Most often they are more ordinary and mundane. But make no mistake, whenever you accept Jesus’ invitation opportunities will unfold that you may never have imagined. And whenever that does happen, throw a party. Invite your friends. Keep following him.

Each Sunday I post verses from five Psalms – according to the day of the month. Today’s Psalm verses are from Psalm 2, 32, 62; 92; 122

Psalm 2:10-11

Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
    be warned, O rulers of the earth.
¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.

Psalm 32:1-5

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
    whose sin is covered.
² Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
    and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
³ For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
⁴ For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
    my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
⁵ I acknowledged my sin to you,
    and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
    and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. 

Psalm 62:1-2

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
² He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalm 92:1-4

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
² to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
³ to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
⁴ For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

Psalm 122:1

I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. ² Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them.³ Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. ⁴ Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, ⁷ “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”⁸ At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? 

⁹ Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? ¹⁰ I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, ¹¹ “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”

¹² The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” – Mark 2:1-12

Have you ever said more than you know? Done less than you said you’d do? Made a claim you could never substantiate? Put yourself forward only to learn that your talk outran your walk? All hat no cattle. All bark no bite. All bluster no muster.

That’s not Jesus. The religious experts of Jesus’ day had run into many all talk no action folks time and again. They thought Jesus was no different. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt in this case, saying that they thought he was dangerous in his teaching and claims of power, authority, and identity. He wasn’t who he said he was, and posed a danger to the people they genuinely cared for. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt on that matter.

That being the case, what would their reaction be to Jesus’ words and deeds on this occasion? If they believed he was a charlatan and imposter they would surely oppose him strongly. They would concoct all manner of excuses to discredit Jesus. They would accuse him of blasphemy. They would take council on how to rid the world of this man’s influence. And so they did.

But what did Jesus do? Jesus taught the people. He allowed interruption. He saw the men’s faith. He forgave the man’s sin. He healed the man, allowing him to walk away with his no-longer-needed cot.

And he asked a question: “Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’?” It’s safer and easier to say that someone’s sins are forgiven if all you’re going to do is say it. But Jesus is hat and cattle, talk and walk, promise and performance.

For Jesus to say, “Your sins are forgiven” holds far-reaching consequences for him. It will mean his suffering and death. It will mean that the religious leaders will align themselves with the Roman authorities to have Jesus convicted and executed. It will cost him his life. But he is willing to say it because he is who he says he is: the Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost. 

Not only does he speak on this occasion, he also shows his authority over sickness and disease. He commands the man to get up, take up his cot, and go home. And the man does just that. Jesus speaks and acts. In both cases he brings grace and mercy to people.

When I think of this account, I can imagine myself in any number of characters in the story. Except Jesus. He is singularly unique. He is like no other. Even so I am very much like Jesus. Just as he endured temptation, saw people and responded to their needs in mercy, prayed to his heavenly Father, and lived and died, I am doing and will do all those things also. Not perfectly like he did. But as one who has been brought to Jesus, heard his words and been eternally changed by his loving grace.

Jesus saved and redeemed you and me, and he’s still at work in people’s hearts today. Thanks be to God!

Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. ² Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them.³ Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. ⁴ Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, ⁷ “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”⁸ At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? 

⁹ Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? ¹⁰ I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, ¹¹ “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”

¹² The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” – Mark 2:1-12

A friend hosted a party in his home. Many people came. Much fun, conversation, good will and refreshment was enjoyed. The next day he went into the guest bathroom only to discover that the toilet seat had been broken…and placed (hidden???) behind the toilet! Have you ever loaned something to someone only to have it returned in poor condition, or completely broken? Don’t you think that if you loan someone something that it will be returned promptly and in good order?

We’ve considered this miracle of Jesus from the standpoint of the once-paralyzed man, the friends who brought him, and the scoffers who questioned Jesus’ authority and ability to forgive and heal. What about the guy whose house Jesus used and whose roof was dismantled? What about him? Are you, maybe that guy?

You’ve let your home be a place of gathering. People have come and scratched your floors, left water rings on your tables, and consumed your precious toilet paper! Or worse, you’ve let someone borrow your car. They needed it, and you were able to get by without it for a few days. When they returned it, it was dirty and the gas tank was empty. How rude!

But that’s different than loaning your house to Jesus isn’t it? Maybe not. Remember Jesus’ words, “Inasmuch as you’ve done it to the least of these brothers of mine, you’ve done it to me.” So what needs to change? Perhaps it is your expectations. Maybe it’s the loanee’s thoughtfulness. Could be something even greater: your awareness of the kingdom impact of giving letting Jesus use something.

Mother Teresa famously said that the poor are a reminder to us of our need to give. And if we give, we should give expecting nothing in return. If our gifts are truly gifts, and if we are giving our things for Jesus’ use, the wear and tear, potential damage, or consumption of those things may have a kingdom impact far beyond the cost of the gift.

What was that impact? We’ll look at that tomorrow.

Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. ² Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them.³ Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. ⁴ Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, ⁷ “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”⁸ At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? 

⁹ Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? ¹⁰ I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, ¹¹ “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”

¹² The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” – Mark 2:1-12

I don’t remember the specifics of the occasion, but I do remember the question: Who authorized you to do that? I was a young pastor with good intentions but lacking a sufficient degree of finesse in making changes or proposing new ways of doing ministry. A very similar question was, “Did you write this?” I do recall the specifics of that question. It was in regard to the need for an organ renovation that was doubted by the one who asked the question.

He accused me of deceiving the congregation. I had not. But the accusation had been made. It was followed by an even more grave judgment: “You have raped and pillaged this church!” Obviously my accuser had much at stake in his assessment of the way things ought to be.

Thankfully the accusation did not stand. And the accuser was unable to substantiate his claim or make his case successfully. All this many years ago. I’m sure I could have done better in every aspect of the affair. But his accusation betrayed an insecurity and judgmental too often displayed even by those who claim to follow Jesus.

The conclusions and accusations of the religious experts regarding Jesus’ actions and teaching was similarly motivated. They were threatened by Jesus’ authority and teaching. They feared much from him. They thought him a blasphemer. He had no authority to forgive sins. He was completely without authorization to do this thing he was doing. Or so they thought.

Jesus’ miraculous and merciful healing showed otherwise. He had authority to forgive sins. He had power to heal disease. No one could question his authority after seeing that: surely. But they would question Jesus’ authority. They would accuse him of further blasphemy. They would eventually kill him.

It is easier to say, “Your sins are forgiven.” But Jesus didn’t just say it. He sacrificed himself for it. He died for it. By his own authority. And now all authority has been given to him. When we follow him, we are part of his story of redemption and healing in the lives of many. Best we recognize Jesus’ authority rather than question it.

Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. ² Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them.³ Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. ⁴ Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, ⁷ “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”⁸ At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? 

⁹ Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? ¹⁰ I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, ¹¹ “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”

¹² The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” – Mark 2:1-12

We sang, “You’ve Got a Friend” at NewSong worship recently. It’s not our normal kind of worship song, but the words are pretty good.

When you’re down and troubled And you need some love and care
And nothing, nothing is going right Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running, to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there You’ve got a friend

If the sky above you Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow Keep your head together
And call my name out loud Soon you’ll hear me knocking at your door

You just call out my name And you know wherever I am
I’ll come running, running, yeah, yeah, to see you again…

Songwriter: Carole King

You’ve Got a Friend lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

I hope you have a friend. I hope there is someone in your life to whom you can call in the dark of night or the storms of life. I hope you are not alone. I hope that especially when it comes to bringing someone to Jesus. For this is not something for the faint of heart. There will be obstacles. There will be challenges; people in the way, crowded rooms, and no way to get your friend to Jesus. Unless you have a friend or two.

Perhaps you have a friend who has brought you to Jesus. That would be a good place to start looking for others who will also be your friends, and join you in the important work of befriending someone else toward Jesus. They may be somewhat reluctant. They may not want to make a fuss. They may initially come along with you out of a sense of duty.

But every posse needs a sheriff. Every gang needs a leader. Every friend needs someone who will help him do the right thing. And that’s what friends do. True friends help their friends do the right thing. They say, “Here! There’s a way. We can do this. We can get this friend to Jesus. Let’s do this!” They are the ones who in the most urgent moments say, “Let’s roll.”

I wrote yesterday about the fact that we’re all the man on the pallet. We all need help getting to Jesus. But when that once-lame man walked out of that house, I’m guessing he might well have become a friend to someone else who needed Jesus’ healing and hope. He was freed from his sins and now able to point others to the One who heals and forgives.

If you’ve been brought to Jesus it’s time to look for some friends. It’s time to join a merry band who will seek the down and out, help the helpless, bringing them to Jesus. You might feel the need for a friend. You might feel lonely. Look for someone who will join you in this mission of God. And when you find him and join in that mission you will forge a friendship deep and true. She may be an answer to your prayers and to the need of yet another friend who needs Jesus’ mercy, grace, and truth.

Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. ² Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them.³ Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. ⁴ Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”⁶ Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, ⁷ “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”⁸ At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? ⁹ Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? ¹⁰ I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, ¹¹ “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”¹² The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

– Mark 2:1-12

Are you the man on the pallet, the friends who brought him to Jesus, the owner of the house whose roof was unroofed by these importune friends, or one of those in the crowd who was amazed and praising God? Each of us can find a place in this story. But make no mistake: even if you don’t think you’re part of this story its implications can reach far into the depths of your heart.

The man on the pallet is at his friends’ mercy. If they don’t come to his house, pick him up and put him on the pallet, carry him to the place where Jesus is teaching, and lower him down in front of Jesus he’ll never get there. Can you imagine such a dramatic miracle of healing? Can you imagine at once being crippled and then able to walk? Can you imagine hearing the words, “Your sins are forgiven you,” as you realize your need for forgiveness is greater even than your need to be freed from your bed? Then imagine being forgiven by the Son of God and able to walk out of the room under your own power!

We are all the man on the pallet. None of us has come to Jesus under our own power. That is obvious for those who were brought up in the Christian faith by faithful parents and surrounded with faithful and loving family and friends: they brought us to Jesus. We didn’t get to Jesus under our own power at 8 days old when we were baptized; we had literally to be carried to the church. We didn’t get to Sunday school and church each week under our own power. We had to be taken by someone.

Perhaps, however, you were a precocious child and decided on your own to walk the 3, 5, or 8 blocks to Sunday school each Sunday. But you didn’t build the church, nor call the pastor, nor recruit the Sunday school teachers. All those things were in place for you, provided by others. You were carried to Jesus just as surely as the paralyzed man.

Maybe you’re like my friend who was not brought up in a Christian home, who spent years and years apart from the faith, and came to faith later in life. He was seeking something more. But he will be the first to tell you that he didn’t get to Jesus on his own. There was a kind person who offered friendship and opportunity for relating to other single persons. There was the church’s singles ministry that provided the venue for him to meet the woman who is now his wife. He’ll tell you that God reached out to him and brought him to faith. He was carried to Jesus.

You might be one who made a careful search and discovered the grace and truth of Jesus Christ that spoke to your heart like no other religion or world view ever could. You must confess, however, that you did not make Jesus your Savior. Jesus made you God’s child (Thank you, Pastor Jeff Doria, for sharing this observation your son made years ago). You, too, were carried to Jesus, and God made you his child.

We may find ourselves in other places in this story. We’ll consider this throughout the week before us. But we’re all the man on the pallet in regard to getting to Jesus and experiencing his healing mercy. Thank God Jesus has come for people such as us, and for the friends who have carried us to Jesus – however they have done it.

Several days later Jesus came back to Capernaum. The report went out that he was home. ² Many people had gathered. There was no room left, even in front of the door. Jesus was speaking God’s word to them.

³ Four men came to him carrying a paralyzed man. ⁴ Since they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof over the place where Jesus was. Then they lowered the cot on which the paralyzed man was lying.

⁵ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶ Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, ⁷ “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”

⁸ At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? ⁹ Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? ¹⁰ I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, ¹¹ “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”

¹² The man got up, immediately picked up his cot, and walked away while everyone watched. Everyone was amazed and praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

Are you the man on the pallet, the friends who brought him to Jesus, the owner of the house whose roof was unroofed by these importune friends, or one of those in the crowd who was amazed and praising God? Each of us can find a place in this story. But make no mistake: even if you don’t think you’re part of this story its implications can reach far into the depths of your heart.

The man on the pallet is at his friends’ mercy. If they don’t come to his house, pick him up and put him on the pallet, carry him to the place where Jesus is teaching, and lower him down in front of Jesus. And can you imagine such a dramatic miracle of healing? Can you imagine at once being crippled and then able to walk? Can you imagine hearing the words, “Your sins are forgiven you,” as you realize your need for forgiveness is greater even than your need to be freed from your bed. Then imagine being forgiven by the Son of God and able to walk out of the room under your own power!

We are so much like the man on the pallet. None of us has come to Jesus under our own power. That is obvious for those who were brought up in the Christian faith by faithful parents and surrounded with faithful and loving family and friends. We didn’t get to Jesus at 8 days old when we were baptized; we had literally to be carried to the church. We didn’t get to Sunday school and church each week under our own power. We had to be carried.

Perhaps, however, you were precocious and decided on your own to walk the 3, 5, or 8 blocks to Sunday school each Sunday. But you didn’t build the church, nor call the pastor, nor recruit the Sunday school teachers. All those things were in place for you, provided by others. You were carried to Jesus just as surely as the paralyzed man. 

Maybe you’re like my friend who was not brought up in a Christian home, who spent years and years apart from the faith, and came to faith later in life. He was seeking something more. But he will be the first to tell you that he didn’t get to Jesus on his own. There was a kind person who offered friendship and opportunity for relating to other single persons. There was the church’s singles ministry that provided the venue for him to meet the woman who is now his wife. He’ll tell you that God reached out to him and brought him to faith. He was carried to Jesus.

You might be one who made a careful search and discovered the grace and truth of Jesus Christ that spoke to your heart like no other religion or world view ever could. You must confess, however, that you did not make Jesus your Savior. Jesus made you God’s child. You, too, were carried to Jesus, and God made you his child.

And that is the point. We may find ourselves in other places in this story. We’ll consider this throughout the week before us. But we’re all the man on the pallet in regard to getting to Jesus and experiencing his healing mercy. Thank God Jesus has come for people such as us, and for the friends who have carried us to Jesus – however they have done it. 

Psalm 26:8
O Lord, I love the habitation of your house
    and the place where your glory dwells.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid,
    I put my trust in you.
⁴ In God, whose word I praise,
    in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
    What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 86

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door to watch. ³⁴ So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

³⁵ Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. ³⁶ Later Simon and the others went out to find him. ³⁷ When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”

³⁸ But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons.

⁴⁰ A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

⁴¹ Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” ⁴² Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. ⁴³ Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: ⁴⁴ “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

⁴⁵ But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him. – Mark 1:32-45

How good are you at keeping a secret? I’m not going to tell you one. But how about it? If you’re told something in confidence, are you good for it? I have jokingly said that if you want Diane not to know something, tell me. I don’t tell her anything! While that’s not precisely true, I do guard secrets carefully. And I’ve had opportunity to keep plenty of them over the years. Sometimes to my own detriment (think of not being able to tell specifics about a human resources situation). 

On two different occasions Jesus seeks to prevent the message about his powerful ministry getting out. He will not allow the demons to speak when he casts them out. One commentator observes: 

[Jesus’] plan—to reveal Himself as the Messiah, God, and the Son of God—was not served by the testimony of His enemy. One of Satan’s favorite tools is to twist the truth to his own ends. Jesus would not let the demons lay a hand on the truth to twist it. – Bible Ref

Interesting to me, also is that when Jesus tells the now-healed man with leprosy that he should tell no one, it doesn’t work. The man can’t keep the secret. And Jesus’ ministry was shaped by that fact. He was relegated to out-of-the-way places in an attempt to carry out his ultimate mission. Yet people continued to come to see him. 

Jesus has dominion over the powers of Satan even in his state of humiliation. He commands the demons to remain silent. The power of his character as a man without sin gives him the ultimate advantage over the powers of evil. They cannot find a foothold to gain an advantage over him. 

Jesus does not seek so much to control his followers as to influence them. He will not make the former leper his new puppet, but he will urge him to keep quiet about the miraculous healing Jesus performed. To no avail. 

Jesus accomplished his mission – against the powers of Satan, and in the face of disobedient followers. We are now no longer under a gag order. The command that was given only to this man, “Tell no one,” is one that all too many Christians keep. But that no longer applies. We are to tell others. We are to witness to what Jesus has done. 

Do you have a story to tell? Are you excited enough about it to let others know what has happened in your live? If so, it’s definitely OK to tell the story. Please do.