The Savior's Touch (Pastor Ontoy)

The Savior’s Touch (Pastor Ontoy)

Mark 1:40-45

Our problem: We are unclean people suffering from the devastating effects of sin.
The solution: We must exhibit true faith in Jesus to be cleansed and restored.
Outline:
 
I.         The Leper’s Request (40)
A.   The Leper’s Need – “full of leprosy” (Luke’s account)
B.   The Leper’s Heart

i.     Humility – “beseeching him, and kneeling down” (Luke’s account) “fell on his face”

ii.     Faith – “If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean”

II.         The Lord’s Response (41-44)
A.   Jesus’ Compassion – “moved with compassion…touched him…I will”
B.   Jesus’ Power – “immediately the leprosy departed from him”
C.   Jesus’ Command – “say nothing…shew thyself to the priest”

i.     Priest’s Perspective: Bold Identification

ii.     Leper’s Perspective: Radical Transformation
1.    A Picture of Salvation
2.    A Picture of Sanctification

 III.         The People’s Reaction (45a)

 IV.         The Lord’s Retreat (45b)
 
Discussion questions:

1. How did the Holy Spirit illuminate your mind or convict you this morning?

2. Have you personally come to Jesus in faith and repentance to be cleansed from sin? If so, briefly share your salvation testimony with your group.

3. In what ways is leprosy the perfect picture of sin?

4. Why do we need to approach Jesus with a heart of humility and faith?

5. How does Jesus’ heart of compassion encourage you today?

6. Does it matter that Jesus is a God of power in addition to being a God of compassion?

7. Once Jesus cleanses us, we are called to be holy. What are some specific reasons why it is difficult to live a pure life? How can you live righteously?

8. Jesus commands those whom He has cleansed to be His witnesses. Why is it difficult to be a disciple-maker? How will you disciple others this week?

9. Crowds of people “followed” Jesus during His earthly ministry because He was able to give them something. Does this contradict other passages that teach that following Jesus is the unpopular, narrow way (Read Matthew 7:13-14)? How do you reconcile those 2 passages of Scripture? Personally Reflect: Why do you follow Jesus?