Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning:

 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. 
But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded of your cleansing, 
as a testimony to them” (Mark 1:43-44)

Mark 1:40-45

Having cleansed the man, Jesus sends him off to fulfil the prescribed ritual for cleansing stated in the law.

There would have been onlookers who may have felt that Jesus had disregarded the law by allowing the leper to come close to him. Then, he appeared to defy the law even further by reaching out and touching the leper and, in so doing, making himself ritually unclean. 

Those who felt that way might have been puzzled by Jesus, who now seems to have done an about-turn by following the conventions of the law. What was going on here? Was Jesus just reckless? Was Jesus picking and choosing which laws he felt like following? 

This is the first time in Mark’s Gospel that we read of Jesus seemingly holding the law lightly. It will not be the last. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus exercising compassion, power and wisdom together in appropriate measure. Good laws are set in place to establish and maintain a fair, just, healthy, and peaceful society. 

This week, we have already considered that the strict laws around infectious diseases were a way of protecting the greater society. Jesus did not have anything against the spirit of the law and was perfectly happy to comply with it in a general sense. But when a particular circumstance required a different attitude or action to lead the person into greater faith, hope and love, Jesus would adjust accordingly. 

Jesus always looked at the larger picture, the whole person, the greater need. The spirit of wisdom could be seen actively in all of Jesus' responses. That same spiritual gift of wisdom is offered to us by the Holy Spirit to be used along with other gifts for the good of all (1 Cor 12:4-11). 

Jesus is showing us that there needs to be a well-governed society, but remember, terms and conditions apply within that. Jesus is not suggesting we all receive a “get out of jail free” card. Jesus is showing by example how important it is to respond from a place that understands the greatest need and that moves the person to a place of healing, wholeness and awareness of God’s grace and love. It is often tempting to put everyone and all circumstances in a box and surround them with rules. However, we are not all cold, mechanical, lifeless robots, nor are any circumstances the same. With Jesus’ gift of wisdom, we can respond lovingly in a way that is both appropriate and good. 

What influences the way you react to people or circumstances?

When might you feel comfortable stepping out of the confines of societal law?

In our busy lives filled with information, might we be tempted to look for the quickest solution?

What are you being invited to consider and speak with God about in how you respond?

Is there perhaps a particular situation you need to talk to God about in your prayer today?    

Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe

Lord God,
the giver of all that is good,
help us to be grounded in your love;
remind us often to 
practice the pause
that gives us space and capacity
to live out of the generosity of your
wisdom and truth.
Amen.

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