Overcomer for the OUTCAST: Compassion for the outcast

Mark 1:40-42 | 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. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. 

• During Bible times, people with leprosy were treated as outcasts. They were literally cast out of the city and had to scavenge for food. They weren’t allowed near anyone who didn’t also have the disease. If any healthy person was nearby, they had to cover their mouth, ring a bell, and shout “unclean, unclean!” to warn people that they, a social outcast, were approaching. The disease left them disfigured and could lead to paralysis or disability.

  • How would people have normally reacted if a person with leprosy was nearby? 

  • How does Jesus react in Mark 1:40-42? 

    • What would have been shocking about Jesus touching the man with leprosy? 

    • Many people would have been afraid of or even grossed out by a person with leprosy. How does Jesus feel instead?  

  • Who are some people in society today that are treated like the people with leprosy during Biblical times were treated? 

    • Do you (or would you) allow yourself to come face to face with these people? Why or why not? 

    • How can you show love, compassion, and acceptance to these people, rather than the fear, exclusion, or even repulsion that other people show? 

      • How could this lead these people to Christ? 

      • How can you share Jesus with these people or other outcasts?