“YOUR MINISTRY OF MERCY”

[The Miracle of Mercy – Part 6]

INTRO: We’ve been focusing on God’s mercy towards us. Now we’re going to shift the focus to our showing mercy to others (Matt. 5:7). This requires compassion, which is entering into someone else’s pain for the purpose of helping to ease their pain (not just pity). The Bible story of Jesus healing a leper illustrates what this looks like (Mark 1:40-45).

I. LIFE’S LEPERS (v. 40).

1. In Jesus’ day, lepers were outcasts (Lev. 13:45-46).
2. Can you imagine the humiliation, isolation & loneliness?
3. There are many today who feel like outcasts.

II. IF YOU ARE WILLING (v. 40b).

1. He knew Jesus was able, but unsure if He was willing.
2. Many people today are the same.
3. Many modern lepers fear the church will reject them.

III. TOUCHING LEPERS (v. 41).

1. Jesus touched the leper! When was he last touched?
2. Sufficient compassion trumps fear!

IV. HEALING LEPERS (v. 42).

1. Either the leper would be cleansed or Jesus would become unclean!
2. The Jesus in you is more powerful then any leprosy!

V. SHOW & TELL (vv. 43-44).

1. Jesus told him to go show himself to the priest.
2. The same blood sacrifice was used to cleanse the leper as to ordain a priest (Lev. 14:1-2, 13-14; 8:1-2; 23-24)!
3. The blood of Jesus is sufficient for everyone!

VI. THE COST OF TOUCHING LEPERS (v. 45).

1. The leper goes from outcast to evangelist.
2. Jesus goes from celebrity to outcast (vv. 28, 33, 39, 45)!
3. There’s a price to pay for touching lepers!

CONCLUSION: Jesus is still willing to touch and cleanse lepers today! He wants to do it through you! Are you willing and available?