“But he went out, and began to publish it much” (Mk 1:45) A leper man came to Jesus to be healed. Jesus healed him and told him not to tell anyone, but rather go and present himself to the priests as prescribed by Moses in the law. The priests would declare him clean and restore him to society. But the man, in his excitement of being healed, went out and told everyone about what Jesus did.
In those days leprosy had no cure. It was a devastating, contagious disease that literally rotted you to death.
Lepers had to live separate, outcast lives from healthy people. Jesus touched the man, and he was transformed from an outcast leper to a healed and restored member of society. And he was elated with joy.
In Scripture, leprosy represents sin. Sin keeps us separated from a holy God. Jesus heals us from our sin, if we will submit to His healing, and restores us to fellowship with the Father. While Jesus told the man not to tell anyone about his physical healing, He does want us to tell everyone about our spiritual healing. When Jesus touches you and saves you, you can’t help but to publish it much to any who will listen.
