Compassion: Chapter One
Mark’s first post-temptation event is the choosing of the first four disciples. Jesus takes fishermen from a successful business and will turn them into fishers of men. This transition will take some time and eventually they will get it! But for now, they’re novices and must see the Christ in action. John the Baptist makes the introduction, “The Kingdom of God is near.”
Let’s take a moment to examine the Sea of Galilee. It plays a very important role in Jesus’ ministry and the events leading up to His crucifixion. Oftentimes, we see our Lord standing on Galilee’s shore post resurrection awaiting the arrival of His fishing disciples. In the absence of a picture, let’s see what’s so important about the Sea of Galilee.
Well it is a freshwater lake (the lowest on earth) and the site of many developing villages and settlements around the lake in Jesus’ time. The lake is about 33 miles in circumference and measures 13 miles by 8.1 miles. Its deepest part is 141 feet.
Can you name the other three names by which this Sea of Galilee is known?
The “Compassionate Christ” shows his disciples firsthand just how powerful He can be. The scene is the home of Peter and Andrew. Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was very ill. All Mark tells us is that “He provided her a hand to help her up.” What transpired? (Mark 1:29ff)
The news traveled quickly and by nightfall, people were bringing all their sick and demonic possessed for Jesus to heal them.
Chapter one tells us that He traveled throughout Galilee: (1:39)
The first chapter concludes with a very special healing. Read Mark 1:40-45)
A Man with Leprosy
What is leprosy? Well, it’s called “Hansen’s Disease.” It’s a chronic infectious disease characterized by skin lesions and involvement of peripheral nerves. Nerve damage can occur with the loss of sensation in the skin and weakness of muscles supplied by the affected nerve(s). Its features also include a change in skin pigment or reddish lesion. In Bible times, various skin diseases were all grouped into leprosy. We’re not sure if this man had Hansen’s disease or not, but regardless, he was an outcast from society.
- What was the man’s plea?
- Verse 41 points out what character of Christ?
- Mark tells us that Jesus reached out his hand and “touched” him. Why is this act very telling?
Go to Leviticus 13 for O. T. instructions re: Leprosy and other skin diseases. This section is very detailed re: what a person with any skin issue and how he or she must live.
What two things must the person who is unclean do? (verse forty-six)
He was told not to tell anyone other than showing himself to the priest that was required to remove his unclean status. What did he do? After that, Jesus could not enter a town openly and stayed outside in lonely places . . . yet, people still came to him from everywhere.
Let’s review chapter one’s story of the “Compassionate Christ.” First, we’re told of his selection of some fishermen who would witness marvelous things over the next three years and then continue on as evangelists. Then we see Jesus as one who has deep feelings about physical and psychological maladies.
Questions for the Day
- Does Jesus have compassion on you and me today? How does He show it?
- In what way are we to show His compassion to those with whom we come in day-to-day contact?
- Think about offering a “helping hand” as a servant of Christ. How is a helping perceived by the recipient?