Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Call to be Compassionate

Bible Reading: Mark 1:40-45

Key Verse Vs 41

V41“Moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him,” I will; be clean”.
 
DEVOTION

This passage records one of the most powerful and astonishing miracles performed by Jesus, revealing not only His divine authority but also His deep compassion for humanity. A man with leprosy came to Jesus. In his desperation, he violated all the required regulations of exclusion and fell before Him in humble adoration, saying, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Without doubting Jesus’ authority and power, he risked stoning, humiliation, and even death to reach the Lord. This disease is known today as Hansen’s disease. It was highly infectious and incurable in Bible times; no other disease was as feared as leprosy.
HIS COMPASSION: Jesus moved with compassion, vs. 41
This moment reveals a deep, spontaneous reaction in Jesus. He did not observe the man’s suffering from a distance; He felt it within himself. He entered into the agony of the man’s life- the pain of his physical affliction, the loneliness of social rejection, and the burden of religious exclusion.
True compassion sees, feels, and enters into the suffering of others- just as Jesus did.
Let us follow Jesus’s example: do not stand at a distance from those who suffer. Step into their pain with empathy, kindness, and faith, offering help and hope wherever it is needed.
HIS WILL: “I am willing.”Vs 42
The leper says to Jesus, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus’ response was simple and powerful. The moment He chose to act, the impossible became possible. The healing did not wait for time, process, or permission-because when the will of Jesus moved with compassion, the way opened instantly. What human strength could not do, divine willingness accomplished in a moment. Where Christ’s will is present, there is always a way- no barrier too strong, no condition too broken, no life beyond hope.
“Where there is a will, there is a way”. 
HIS TOUCH: “Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man”. Vs 42
His touch was a touch of compassion. Leviticus 5:3 warns against touching what is unclean, including a leper, because such contact brought ritual impurity. But Jesus reaches out and touches the leper - not to become unclean Himself, but to make the unclean clean. That touch carried more than healing; it carried acceptance. It was a touch of compassion that restored dignity, healed the body, and welcomed the outcast back into the community.
Today, Christ still touches lives broken by shame, loneliness, and fear. His compassion reaches where rules cannot, and His grace restores what society rejects.
HIS INSTRUCTION: “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest” Vs 44
Jesus instructs the man to present himself to the priest, honoring the law, the community, and the path to full restoration. But overwhelmed with joy, he spread the news everywhere.

PRAYER

Lord, search me and know my heart today. If there is anything impure with me, touch me with your healing hand, and cleanse me by your grace. Amen!

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“When Jesus touches a life, that life becomes a living testimony.” 

Rev. Joseph Chacko
Oklahoma Mar Thomas Church

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