The Mark account in my NIV Study Bible describes Jesus first responding to his request with indignation, then reaching out to touch him, cleansing him of his illness. Jesus follows this healing event with a strict warning to go to a priest and receive the ceremonial cleansing (as instructed in the Old Testament law) and to keep what happened as a secret. The man immediately does the complete opposite and as a result complicates Jesus’ ability to complete the work the Father called him to do.
I am left with questions. My questions reveal what is in my heart as questions always do. To Jesus I ask: “What is this about ‘indignation’?” To the man I question: “Where, in heaven’s name do you come off disrespecting Jesus in this way and ignoring his clear directions?”
As I read the story, the word “indignant” jumped off the page. I did not expect that emotion from Jesus. The presentation of a leprous man on his knees begging for healing should produce mercy , not anger. There is much scholarly debate around Mark 1:41 and this particular word. Most translations insert the description of a Jesus moved by compassion instead of indignation. That is easier and concords with a narrative of Jesus’ life that most of us can feel safe with and promote confidently. There is enough uncertainty that both deserve consideration, both may be true.
There is no questioning the compassion of Christ. The story of Jesus contained in the gospel is replete with instances of Jesus moved by compassion to act. There is also no questioning that Jesus experienced feelings of anger, disappointment and amazement in his interactions with people.
Returning to this scene, a man comes to Jesus on bended knee and says: “If you are willing…” Was it incredulity in this leprous man that elicited indignation? I don’t believe so. Jesus was in teaching mode at this early stage of his ministry and his power to heal unknown to many of the people he interacted with. I wonder if the indignation came from the ingratitude expressed in this man’s response? If we accept that he knows the heart of people (as scripture tells us) then we can also believe that Jesus knew how this man would react to the miracle. Do we honestly believe that it surprised Jesus that the man ignored his instructions and publicly proclaimed how he was healed and by whom?
Did you heal reluctantly Jesus? Did you heal despite knowing it would backfire and result in closed doors for you? Did you heal even though you knew this man would disrespect your clear directions?
Lessons:
- Sometimes doing the right thing ends up hurting us
- We can’t guarantee that kindness showed will always result in loyalty and respect
- We are to love even when we don’t feel it
My questions for the man comes from a place of incredulity and judgement: “What got into you?” “How could you ignore such a clear directive from the one who gave you your life back?”
As soon as those questions form, I stop and ask myself: “How are you any different?” You have 