In this passage we continue see the Jesus Mark has introduced, with authority to heal disease, and with compassion to heal the sick and despised.  By healing this leper He cleanses the unclean and gives him new life.  But this passage also prepares us for a greater revelation about Jesus:  Our sin is more shameful than any disease.  It makes us unclean, worthy of outcast from the kingdom of God.  Yet Jesus can and will rescue us from our destiny with death by taking on our sin and becoming the Despised One in our place and for our sakes.  

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