Mark 1:40-45

Mark 1:40-45
With thanks to page sponsor:
St. David's Episcopal Church
DeWitt, New York
The Rev. Jacqueline Schmitt, Rector

Reading the Text:
- NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
- Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
- The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
- The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
- The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.

Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
- The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
- Primary comparative texts about Prayer and Piety (includes texts about healing) from Philo, Josephus, Lucian, Pseudepigrapha, Babylonian Talmud, Midrash, Philostratus. At Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus. (Rutgers University)
- "A Leper Cured," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
- From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
- Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558:
  - Matthew 8:1-4/Mark 1:40-45/Luke 5:12-16
- From the Geneva Notes.
  - "By healing the leprous he shows that he came for this reason: to wipe out the sins of the world with his touch."
- From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
  - "It teaches us to apply to the Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to his will, saying, "Lord, if thou wilt," without any doubt of Christ's readiness to help the distressed."
- From Wesley's Notes.
  - "If he has made us clean from our leprosy of sin, we are not commanded to conceal it. On the contrary, it is our duty to publish it abroad, both for the honour of our Benefactor, and that others who are sick of sin may be encouraged to ask and hope for the same benefit."
- From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
- "The Lord and the Leper; Mark 1:40-42," Charles H. Spurgeon, 1888.
  - "Alas! we have to deal with spiritual lepers eaten up with the foul disease of sin; but some of them do not believe that they ever can be healed, and the consequence is that despair makes them sin most greedily."
- From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
  - "This miracle occurred after the Sermon on the Mount."
Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
- Commentary, Mark 1:40-45, Sarah Henrich, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
  - "By the end of this story, Jesus has shown us what it costs to go where the people are and it is a cost he is 'willing' to pay."
- Concise Exegesis, Richard Donovan, lectionary.org.
- "Four Words," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
  - "If you had only four words to describe Jesus, what words would you choose?"
- "The Inconvenient Truth about Taking Care of the Poor," Matthew L. Skinner, ON Scripture, 2012.
  - "... I suggest that this story shows us Jesus rejecting a cold, strategic calculus about following the path he thinks is best for him. He puts at risk his plan for getting his message out and fulfilling his purpose. Jesus sacrifices those things, because in front of him stands a man who needs to be cleansed."
- "Moved and Stretched," Rick Morley, 2012.
  - "I don’t know about you, but that gives me goosebumps. Jesus, upon seeing me as I am, is deeply moved and is compelled to touch me that I might live a holy and full life."
- "Jesus Is Contagious!" Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
  - "Could it be that the church is dying today as it is, because we have protected ourselves from the possibility of the healing encounters that might happen if some rough and scaly people got close enough to Jesus?"
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2012.
- "Sweet Jesus, What Have You Done?" Michael Danner, The Hardest Question, 2012.
- "Touching a Torn Soul," Andrew Prior, First Impressions, 2012.
  - "Jesus reaching out and touching has been a profound symbol of acceptance for me; offering restoration, validation, and inclusion."
- "Did Jesus Make a Mistake?" Caspar Green, Scarlet Letter Bible, 2012.
  - "From a public relations standpoint this encounter is a disaster. It is, however, a typical result of offering a genuine welcome to everyone without exception: there will be some who just don't get it and will make your life harder."
- Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Mark 1:40-45, David Ewart, 2012.
  - "The leper does not simply beg, 'Please heal me.' Rather, there is an affirmation of Jesus' authority that also requires his willingness: If you choose, you can make me clean."
- "Lepers and Risky Love," Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2012.
  - "Jesus steps right into a terribly risky reimagining of social order."
- "Blessed to Be a Blessing," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2012.
  - "Maybe we don't need to choose between the two emotions, anger and pity. Pity and anger can intermingle."
- Comentario del Evangelio por Ruth-Aimée Belonni-Rosario, San Marcos 1:40-45, Working Preacher, 2012.
- Commentary, Mark 1:40-45, James Boyce, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- A Brief Commentary on the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 1, Carl W. Conrad. (Click superscript numbers for commentary.)
- "Jesus Heals a Leper," Michael A. Turton's Historical Commentary on the Gospel of Mark, "a complete verse-by-verse commentary on the Gospel of Mark, focusing on the historicity of people, places, events, and sayings in the world of the Gospel of Mark."
- "First Thoughts on Year B Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Epiphany 6, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - "The kingdom means freedom also for lepers. They are not the last group to be ostracised because of their illness. Most people who live with a disability can tell stories about being ostracised, especially if that disability is to be seen. People with AIDS carry a similar stigma."
- "Leprosy," "Hunger for Healing," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
- Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks.
  - "Ched Myers ("Binding the Strong Man") opts for the angry reading. After his comment about the leper *daring* Jesus to heal him, he writes...The cleansed leper's task is not to publicize a miracle but to help confront an ideological system: the change in object (from "priest" to "them") suggests a protest against the entire purity apparatus, which the priests control. He is to make the offering for the purpose of "witnessing against them" (eis marturion autois). This is a technical phrase in the Gospel for testimony before hostile audiences (6:11; 13:9). [p. 153]."
- "I Do Choose," Erin Martin, The Ekklesia Project.
  - "The healing of individuals is always about more than the healing of individuals. Healings are about the kingdom of God."
- "Healing Presence," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Suffering," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005.
- "Make Me Whole Again," Ordinary 6B, Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
  - "Have you ever seen a true healing? A true restoration? How did these events affect you?"
- Wellspring of the Gospel, Ordinary 6B, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
- Sermon Preparation Thoughts and Questions by Wesley White, 2006.
- Marginally Mark, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
- "Cleansing the Leper," Hampton Keathley IV, ThM, The Miracles of Jesus, Dallas Theological Seminary.
  - "Genuine compassion has no limits. True compassion reaches even to the lowest level."
- "Jesus Cleanses a Leper," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
Articles & Background:
- "Author Recounts His 'Journey with Leprosy,'" NPR All Things Considered, February 1, 2009.
- "Miracles of Jesus," "Mark 1: Jesus in Capernaum and the Tour of Galilee," wikipedia.
- "Magic, Miracles, and The Gospel," L. Michael White. PBS From Jesus to Christ.
  - "Probably in some ways, and more than any other issue within the development of early Christianity and the gospels tradition, miracles present one of the problematic areas."
- "Jesus as Healer," John J. Pilch, (other resources at) "Health," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
  - "As a folk healer, Jesus restored meaning to people?s lives...Are we engaged in life-giving or death-dealing deeds? Are we restoring meaning to life, or robbing it of the meaning intended by the Creator?"
- "Healing Presence," John Swinton, (other resources at) "Suffering," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005.
  - "...Suffering is a richer concept, and true healing requires friendship and community."
- "'Everything Is Possible for One Who Believes': Faith and Healing in the New Testament," Sigurd Grindheim, Trinity Journal, 2005.
  - "For the suffering Christian, the question lies near: Could I be free from this if only I had enough faith? In other words, is my predicament a result of my own lack of piety?"
- "Bible Study: 'Building Community With Our Differences'," G. Richard Wheatcroft, The Center for Progressive Christianity, 1997.
  - "The social world of first century Palestine was organized around the contrasts or polarities of pure and impure, clean and unclean. These polarities applied to persons, places, things, times and social groups."
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Markus N. A. Bockmuehl, "Hope and Optimism in Straitened Times," Pro Ecclesia, 2012.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Carvalhaes, Claudio, "Unexpected Gestures, Holy at Home," Journal of Family Ministry, 2006.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Cook, Carol J., "Empathy: A Bridge between Worlds, A Landscape of Care," Journal of Family Ministry, 2006.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Crafton, Barbara, "Miracle Market," The Christian Century, 2003.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Farrington, Debra, "Healed, Not Cured," The Christian Century, 2006.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Garland, David E., "'I Am the Lord Your Healer': Mark 1:21-2:12," Review and Expositor, 1988.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Isaak, Paul J., "Health and Healing as a Challenge to Christian Ethics and Diaconal Ministry of the Church," Black Theology, 2003.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Juel, Donald H. and Patrick R. Keifert, "A Markan Epiphany: Lessons from Mark 1," Word & World, 1988.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Kingsbury, Jack Dean, ed., "Salvation and Healing," issue focus of Interpretation, Ap 1995.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Loader, William, "Challenged at the Boundaries: A Conservative Jesus in Mark's Tradition," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1996.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Matthey, Jacques, ed., "Health, Faith and Healing," issue focus of International Review of Mission, Ja-Ap 2001.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- May, Sharon Nearhoof, "Healing Anger," Brethren Life and Thought, 2005. (Sermon)
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Read, David Haxton Carswell, ed., Healing, focus for Living Pulpit, Ap-Je, 1997.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Telford, George B., Jr., "Mark 1:40-45, Expository Article," Interpretation, 1982.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Sermons:
- "Jesus Interrupted," Emily M. Brown, Day 1, 2012.
- "Healed, Restored, Rejoicing!" 12 February 2006, Hubert Beck, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
- "Leprosy," Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- "He Touched Me," the Rev. Rosemary Brown, Day 1, 2000.
- Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
With Children:
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 6B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
- "Touched by Grace," Mother Anne Emry, Sacred Story, 2012. Includes activities, children's church plans.
- "Hope for the Hopeless," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
- "Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
Drama:
- "A Leper in the Village," from A Certain Jesus by Jose Ignacio and Maria Lopez Vigil. Ideal for catechetical and liturgical dramatization of today's gospel. Claretian Publications.
Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
- Clip Art Images: Mark 1:40-45, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Mark 1:40-45, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
- Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
- Mark 1:41, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
- Mark 1:40-45, Mark 1:40-45, Mark 1:40-45, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
- Commercial Site: "A Man with Leprosy," Mark 1:40-45, film/visual liturgy, Work of the People.
Hymns and Music:
- Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Mark 1:41. The Cyber Hymnal.
Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
- Healing/Healers
Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
Study Links and Resources for the Book of Mark