God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle B
Theme For The Day: God's cleansing presence and power, with or without water. In the First Lesson Elisha cleansed Namaan, the Syrian, by telling him to wash in the Jordan River. In the Gospel Jesus cleansed a leper who requested healing by touching him.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1--14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1--15 (E)
Namaan, a general from the army of the Syrians, was sent to the king of Israel by his own king, asking that he be healed of his leprosy. An Israeli girl, absconded in war, informed her master of a prophet in Samaria who could do miracles. The king of Israel thinks this is a pretense for a quarrel. Elisha, a ninth century prophet, hears of the situation and asks the king to send Namaan to him. When the general's chariot rolls up to Elisha's door, he is greeted by Elisha's servant, who relays the prophet's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. Namaan is insulted that the prophet doesn't give him VIP treatment and is going to storm off in a rage, but his servants encourage him to obey the prophet; he does and is healed. The story demonstrates the superiority of Israel's God but also his grace even to Gentiles.
Lesson 1: Leviticus 13:1--2, 44--46 (RC)
The chapter contains laws concerning the treatment of infectious skin diseases. Due to a lack of knowledge concerning the nature of disease, many skin disorders were referred to as leprosy. The afflicted person was required to be examined by a priest, who might isolate him or her for a period of seven days. If the disorder appeared to lessen, the afflicted one would be declared clean. If the person developed reddish--white patches in which the hair in the sore turned white, that person was pronounced unclean, made to wear tattered clothes and disheveled hair, forced to disassociate from society and cry "Unclean" anytime he or she approached other people. Such disease was considered a sign of sin and so society did not regard these poor souls with compassion.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 9:24--27 (C, E)
Paul encourages spiritual self--discipline. He employs metaphors from two sports which he undoubtedly witnessed in the Greek games, running and boxing. He urges believers to run the race of the Christian life with vigor, straining for the prize, eternal life. In the boxing analogy he makes the point that he doesn't just swing wildly, beating the air; he makes every punch count.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 (RC)
The believers are enjoined to make everything they do count for Christ and guard against actions which would give offense and thus hinder the spread of the gospel. Paul encourages them to follow his lead.
Gospel: Mark 1:40--45 (C, RC, E)
A leper approaches Jesus, kneeling at his feet and begging for mercy. "If you want to, you can make me clean" (v. 40). Of course, being banished from society would not do wonders for one's self--image. The leper had some hope but was not sure Jesus would want to help. The Lord was moved with compassion, touched him and pronounced him clean. Jesus' contact with the leper was a break from tradition, though he did instruct the man to go to a priest for the required cleansing rites, which would certify him as ready to re--enter normal society. Jesus strongly urges the man not to broadcast his healing because he knows that the publicity would not enable him to move about as freely. The man does so anyway, which forces Jesus to change his mission strategy. He can no longer enter the towns due to the crowds; the people must come to him in the country.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 30 (C) - "O Lord, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me" (v. 2).
Psalm 42 (E) - "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him..." (v. 11b).
Psalm 31 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Merciful Lord, in desperation we flee from the uncleanness of our sins, fall at your feet, and plead for your cleansing. Thank you, Jesus, for your compassion and your healing grace. In your powerful and precious Name we pray. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1--15
Achilles' heel. Namaan was a successful general and courageous but he still had his Achilles' heel, his vulnerable spot. Was it his leprosy? No, it was his pride that almost prevented him from being healed of his disease. No matter what our station in life, we too have our Achilles' heel. Getting in touch with vulnerabilities keeps us humble enough for the Lord to use us to his glory.
God gives victory to our enemies? Verse 1 makes an interesting assertion, that it was the Lord who granted Namaan victory over Israel. Perhaps this is a warning not to take the Lord for granted. If we forget the Lord and do that which is unjust, we cannot expect victory in our lives, even if we are God's baptized children. Defeat by our enemies might be one way God gets our attention.
Listen to the little people. Namaan was an important man in his region of the world. Yet he had the wisdom to listen to his wife's servant, a prize of battle. He listened to one of the little people that God has made so many of. She was a vehicle that enabled him to pass from death to life. Then, when he was about to stomp away from Elisha's house in rage, other servants importuned him to do as the prophet directed. A wise leader listens to the rank and file.
Great expectations. Namaan had great expectations as he wheeled up to Elisha's house. The prophet would come out clad in his best robe, bow in deference to one more eminent than he, and then, wave his hand over the leprosy as he chanted some incantation. Instead Elisha gave word through his servant that Namaan should wash in the Jordan River. What an insult! Often God doesn't meet our need in the way we had envisioned. He asks us to trust him and obey him.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 9:24--27
Self--discipline. Athletic training points to the vital role of self--discipline. The body needs to be brought under control in order to attain the goal. An athlete exercises self--control not only in sports but, as Paul states, "in all things" (v. 25). Giving in to bodily impulses dissipates energy. The follower of Christ must bring body and mind under the control of God's Spirit to win the heavenly prize.
Energy conservation. When Paul states that he does not box as one aimlessly beating the air (v. 26), he's talking about energy conservation. Back in the '70s the Arab oil embargo shocked us into realizing that we could not continue being so profligate in our use of energy. The price of gas went up dramatically to cool demand; it was rationed in some cases. Autos started becoming more economical and much information was disseminated as to how we could make our buildings more energy efficient. We Christians waste enormous amounts of energy in worrying, chasing after material security or in trying to pretend we are someone we are not. Churches waste energy in clinging to traditions that serve no useful purpose, in preserving personal power bases and by not having a clear fix on our mission. In battling the forces of darkness, we must make every punch count.
Gospel: Mark 1:40--45
Sin and sickness. The leper had faith enough to believe that Jesus could heal him or make him "clean," as he put it. The term "clean" indicates the common belief that disease, especially this one, was a result of some spiritual uncleanness or sin. We know that sin did not cause this disease. Nevertheless, the man really was unclean. He may have had foul discharges from the sores on his body. He felt unclean, unacceptable to God or society, and the way that the world treated him reinforced his uncleanness. As he approached people, he had to yell out "Unclean! Unclean!" Jesus did not accept the common notion of sin and sickness, nor did he regard this leper as unclean.
God is always willing. The leper prefaced his petition with the phrase, "if you are willing" (v. 40). His hesitancy is understandable. However, faith shows us that Jesus is always willing to reach out his hand to help and heal. He may not do everything we ask in a manner that fulfills our expectations, but he is always willing to remove our uncleanness. There are many in the world who approach those who bear the name of Christ and ask: "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Are we willing to reach out Christ's hand of mercy to touch people and make them clean?
The One that gets used. The U.S. West yellow pages advertises that their book is the one that gets used, yes, even abused. God is often the One who gets used. We have a problem, we turn to the Lord. The problem is solved, we soon forget about him. Jesus was concerned that people would want to use his wonder--working power without being converted or spiritually transformed. The healings by Christ were meant to draw attention to the claims of God's kingdom, so that persons might turn to the Lord for renewal of their minds as well as their bodies. That explains why Jesus told the healed leper not to tell anyone about his deliverance. The Lord may not mind being used but he certainly does not desire to be abused.
Responding to the marketplace. Jesus' popularity flared up as a result of his healing ministry. At first he preached and taught from the village synagogues. When the crowds swelled he had to respond to the spiritual marketplace and let the people come to him in the country. The church should take a lesson in this; we cling too long to outmoded methodologies for mission.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1--15
Sermon Title: Listen To The Children
Sermon Angle: My grandmother was fond of saying, "Children are meant to be seen, not heard." She apparently was not taught to value the thoughts and feelings of children. Kids were supposed to act like adults. Namaan listened to his wife's maid when she told him about the prophet in Samaria. This girl had faith that Elisha would heal her master. Children have something to teach us about faith and love.
Outline:
Introduction: We often forget that this story would not have happened without this girl. Consider this extraordinary girl.
1. She was kidnapped and yet seemed to bear no animosity against her captors.
2. She was genuinely concerned about her master - this shows her love.
3. She offered a solution - this showed her wisdom (v. 3).
4. She believed that the prophet would heal her master (v. 3) - this showed her faith.
5. Listen to the children, they have much to teach us about faith and love.
Sermon Title: The King And The Kid
Sermon Angle: The reactions of the king of Israel and the maid girl to Namaan, the leper, are at opposite ends of the continuum. The girl believed that Elisha could and would heal her master, while the king of Israel threw up his hands in frustration (v. 7). He reacted with cynicism and frustration rather than faith. He interpreted that the king of Syria just wanted to pick a fight with him (v. 8). He viewed Elisha not as a resource for making peace but as an obstacle to his ambitions.
Sermon Title: There Is More Than One Way To Get Clean
Sermon Angle: This lesson and the Gospel present two ways to get clean. Namaan was told to go wash in the Jordan River in order to get cleansed of his leprosy, something which he at first refused to do. Bathing in water is the usual way to get clean. Since water is such a great cleansing agent, it became also a perfect sign of spiritual cleansing through Holy Baptism. In the Gospel, Jesus effects a dry cleansing of the leper through word and touch. Words have the capacity to make us feel dirty or clean. Words of acceptance and forgiveness are especially powerful cleansing agents. Christ also touches our hearts through Holy Communion and makes us feel clean inside and out.
Outline:
1. Discuss various ways of cleansing and the importance of feeling clean.
2. Elisha cleansed Namaan through Jordan River water.
3. In the Gospel Jesus cleansed this leper through word and touch.
4. In baptism we are washed of our sin and declared acceptable to God.
5. In communion Jesus touches us with cleansing grace and forgiveness.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 9:24--27
Sermon Title: Why Do You Run?
Sermon Angle: Everyday, as I take my daughter's basset hound for a walk, I encounter runners. One runner pants so loudly that I can clearly hear his gasping a half block away. Why are all these people running? To take off pounds? To improve their health? To drain off frustrations? To live longer? There are many good reasons to run, I suppose, but none powerful enough to prompt me to put on my Nikes. Some of us just aren't joggers but we are all runners in the race of life. Are we competing against all the other runners or against the clock? Are we running with Jesus or do we expect Jesus to run with us? There is a difference! Are we running because someone or something is chasing us or because we seek the glorious prize of eternal life with God? What about you? Why exactly are you running?
Outline:
1. Paul ran with purpose because he had his goal clearly focused (v. 26a).
2. Many people run for sport. For what purpose?
3. We are all runners in the race of life but why are we running? To what end?
4. Run with Jesus to obtain the imperishable prize.
__________
The blockbuster movie Forrest Gump illustrates the question posed above. That is, why are we running? Where are we going? Forrest was a somewhat mentally deficient boy who started running to elude his persecutors. The doctor placed braces on his legs but one day when some bullies were chasing him down the road in their truck, he ran so fast that the braces just fell away. Forrest could run really fast. They put him on the college football squad and he ran around the ends and through the middle. He ran so fast that he scored touchdown upon touchdown. The problem was that he was so intent on his running that he didn't halt after reaching the goal line and so they placed a sign at the end of the field that read "Stop, Forrest!"
His girl friend, his only friend, Jenny, went away and then his mother died. After a time, he started running. At first he was just going to run to town but when he got there he decided to run across the county, then the state and then the country. He ran back and forth across the country three or four times. As he ran, people started running with him. They figured that he knew where he was going. They imagined that there was a cause or that he was going to momentarily utter some word of wisdom. Finally he got tired of running and went home.
I wonder how many of us are running merely because other people are running and we figure that they must know where they are going?
Gospel: Mark 1:40--45
Sermon Title: Mission Mandate: Offer Spiritual Cleansing!
Sermon Angle: The First Lesson features the cleansing of Namaan the leper by Elisha. In our Gospel Jesus heals a leper who spread abroad the good news of his healing. Our Christian mission impels us to cleanse and heal those who want to be made whole.
Outline:
1. The leper begged Jesus to cleanse him of his leprosy.
2. He wasn't sure Christ wanted to heal him (v. 40).
3. Jesus stood ready to cleanse him.
4. The pollution of our sins is great; the mission mandate for the church is for us to be cleansed by Christ, that we might clean up the world.
Sermon Title: What A Pity!
Sermon Angle: Jesus was moved with pity at the plight of leper; that pity moved him to action. What a pity! We use the phrase to mean "Isn't that too bad!" Jesus expressed his pity not through words but through actions of deliverance and mercy.
Outline:
1. What a pity! Jesus was moved to pity by the sight of the leper and his plea.
2. His pity led him to reach out his hand to cleanse and heal.
3. Our feelings may be moved by the plight of the unfortunate but that isn't enough.
4. Our pity must lead us to acts of compassion.
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1--14 (C); 2 Kings 5:1--15 (E)
Namaan, a general from the army of the Syrians, was sent to the king of Israel by his own king, asking that he be healed of his leprosy. An Israeli girl, absconded in war, informed her master of a prophet in Samaria who could do miracles. The king of Israel thinks this is a pretense for a quarrel. Elisha, a ninth century prophet, hears of the situation and asks the king to send Namaan to him. When the general's chariot rolls up to Elisha's door, he is greeted by Elisha's servant, who relays the prophet's instructions to wash in the Jordan River. Namaan is insulted that the prophet doesn't give him VIP treatment and is going to storm off in a rage, but his servants encourage him to obey the prophet; he does and is healed. The story demonstrates the superiority of Israel's God but also his grace even to Gentiles.
Lesson 1: Leviticus 13:1--2, 44--46 (RC)
The chapter contains laws concerning the treatment of infectious skin diseases. Due to a lack of knowledge concerning the nature of disease, many skin disorders were referred to as leprosy. The afflicted person was required to be examined by a priest, who might isolate him or her for a period of seven days. If the disorder appeared to lessen, the afflicted one would be declared clean. If the person developed reddish--white patches in which the hair in the sore turned white, that person was pronounced unclean, made to wear tattered clothes and disheveled hair, forced to disassociate from society and cry "Unclean" anytime he or she approached other people. Such disease was considered a sign of sin and so society did not regard these poor souls with compassion.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 9:24--27 (C, E)
Paul encourages spiritual self--discipline. He employs metaphors from two sports which he undoubtedly witnessed in the Greek games, running and boxing. He urges believers to run the race of the Christian life with vigor, straining for the prize, eternal life. In the boxing analogy he makes the point that he doesn't just swing wildly, beating the air; he makes every punch count.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 (RC)
The believers are enjoined to make everything they do count for Christ and guard against actions which would give offense and thus hinder the spread of the gospel. Paul encourages them to follow his lead.
Gospel: Mark 1:40--45 (C, RC, E)
A leper approaches Jesus, kneeling at his feet and begging for mercy. "If you want to, you can make me clean" (v. 40). Of course, being banished from society would not do wonders for one's self--image. The leper had some hope but was not sure Jesus would want to help. The Lord was moved with compassion, touched him and pronounced him clean. Jesus' contact with the leper was a break from tradition, though he did instruct the man to go to a priest for the required cleansing rites, which would certify him as ready to re--enter normal society. Jesus strongly urges the man not to broadcast his healing because he knows that the publicity would not enable him to move about as freely. The man does so anyway, which forces Jesus to change his mission strategy. He can no longer enter the towns due to the crowds; the people must come to him in the country.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 30 (C) - "O Lord, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me" (v. 2).
Psalm 42 (E) - "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him..." (v. 11b).
Psalm 31 (RC)
Prayer Of The Day
Merciful Lord, in desperation we flee from the uncleanness of our sins, fall at your feet, and plead for your cleansing. Thank you, Jesus, for your compassion and your healing grace. In your powerful and precious Name we pray. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1--15
Achilles' heel. Namaan was a successful general and courageous but he still had his Achilles' heel, his vulnerable spot. Was it his leprosy? No, it was his pride that almost prevented him from being healed of his disease. No matter what our station in life, we too have our Achilles' heel. Getting in touch with vulnerabilities keeps us humble enough for the Lord to use us to his glory.
God gives victory to our enemies? Verse 1 makes an interesting assertion, that it was the Lord who granted Namaan victory over Israel. Perhaps this is a warning not to take the Lord for granted. If we forget the Lord and do that which is unjust, we cannot expect victory in our lives, even if we are God's baptized children. Defeat by our enemies might be one way God gets our attention.
Listen to the little people. Namaan was an important man in his region of the world. Yet he had the wisdom to listen to his wife's servant, a prize of battle. He listened to one of the little people that God has made so many of. She was a vehicle that enabled him to pass from death to life. Then, when he was about to stomp away from Elisha's house in rage, other servants importuned him to do as the prophet directed. A wise leader listens to the rank and file.
Great expectations. Namaan had great expectations as he wheeled up to Elisha's house. The prophet would come out clad in his best robe, bow in deference to one more eminent than he, and then, wave his hand over the leprosy as he chanted some incantation. Instead Elisha gave word through his servant that Namaan should wash in the Jordan River. What an insult! Often God doesn't meet our need in the way we had envisioned. He asks us to trust him and obey him.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 9:24--27
Self--discipline. Athletic training points to the vital role of self--discipline. The body needs to be brought under control in order to attain the goal. An athlete exercises self--control not only in sports but, as Paul states, "in all things" (v. 25). Giving in to bodily impulses dissipates energy. The follower of Christ must bring body and mind under the control of God's Spirit to win the heavenly prize.
Energy conservation. When Paul states that he does not box as one aimlessly beating the air (v. 26), he's talking about energy conservation. Back in the '70s the Arab oil embargo shocked us into realizing that we could not continue being so profligate in our use of energy. The price of gas went up dramatically to cool demand; it was rationed in some cases. Autos started becoming more economical and much information was disseminated as to how we could make our buildings more energy efficient. We Christians waste enormous amounts of energy in worrying, chasing after material security or in trying to pretend we are someone we are not. Churches waste energy in clinging to traditions that serve no useful purpose, in preserving personal power bases and by not having a clear fix on our mission. In battling the forces of darkness, we must make every punch count.
Gospel: Mark 1:40--45
Sin and sickness. The leper had faith enough to believe that Jesus could heal him or make him "clean," as he put it. The term "clean" indicates the common belief that disease, especially this one, was a result of some spiritual uncleanness or sin. We know that sin did not cause this disease. Nevertheless, the man really was unclean. He may have had foul discharges from the sores on his body. He felt unclean, unacceptable to God or society, and the way that the world treated him reinforced his uncleanness. As he approached people, he had to yell out "Unclean! Unclean!" Jesus did not accept the common notion of sin and sickness, nor did he regard this leper as unclean.
God is always willing. The leper prefaced his petition with the phrase, "if you are willing" (v. 40). His hesitancy is understandable. However, faith shows us that Jesus is always willing to reach out his hand to help and heal. He may not do everything we ask in a manner that fulfills our expectations, but he is always willing to remove our uncleanness. There are many in the world who approach those who bear the name of Christ and ask: "If you are willing, you can make me clean." Are we willing to reach out Christ's hand of mercy to touch people and make them clean?
The One that gets used. The U.S. West yellow pages advertises that their book is the one that gets used, yes, even abused. God is often the One who gets used. We have a problem, we turn to the Lord. The problem is solved, we soon forget about him. Jesus was concerned that people would want to use his wonder--working power without being converted or spiritually transformed. The healings by Christ were meant to draw attention to the claims of God's kingdom, so that persons might turn to the Lord for renewal of their minds as well as their bodies. That explains why Jesus told the healed leper not to tell anyone about his deliverance. The Lord may not mind being used but he certainly does not desire to be abused.
Responding to the marketplace. Jesus' popularity flared up as a result of his healing ministry. At first he preached and taught from the village synagogues. When the crowds swelled he had to respond to the spiritual marketplace and let the people come to him in the country. The church should take a lesson in this; we cling too long to outmoded methodologies for mission.
SERMON APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: 2 Kings 5:1--15
Sermon Title: Listen To The Children
Sermon Angle: My grandmother was fond of saying, "Children are meant to be seen, not heard." She apparently was not taught to value the thoughts and feelings of children. Kids were supposed to act like adults. Namaan listened to his wife's maid when she told him about the prophet in Samaria. This girl had faith that Elisha would heal her master. Children have something to teach us about faith and love.
Outline:
Introduction: We often forget that this story would not have happened without this girl. Consider this extraordinary girl.
1. She was kidnapped and yet seemed to bear no animosity against her captors.
2. She was genuinely concerned about her master - this shows her love.
3. She offered a solution - this showed her wisdom (v. 3).
4. She believed that the prophet would heal her master (v. 3) - this showed her faith.
5. Listen to the children, they have much to teach us about faith and love.
Sermon Title: The King And The Kid
Sermon Angle: The reactions of the king of Israel and the maid girl to Namaan, the leper, are at opposite ends of the continuum. The girl believed that Elisha could and would heal her master, while the king of Israel threw up his hands in frustration (v. 7). He reacted with cynicism and frustration rather than faith. He interpreted that the king of Syria just wanted to pick a fight with him (v. 8). He viewed Elisha not as a resource for making peace but as an obstacle to his ambitions.
Sermon Title: There Is More Than One Way To Get Clean
Sermon Angle: This lesson and the Gospel present two ways to get clean. Namaan was told to go wash in the Jordan River in order to get cleansed of his leprosy, something which he at first refused to do. Bathing in water is the usual way to get clean. Since water is such a great cleansing agent, it became also a perfect sign of spiritual cleansing through Holy Baptism. In the Gospel, Jesus effects a dry cleansing of the leper through word and touch. Words have the capacity to make us feel dirty or clean. Words of acceptance and forgiveness are especially powerful cleansing agents. Christ also touches our hearts through Holy Communion and makes us feel clean inside and out.
Outline:
1. Discuss various ways of cleansing and the importance of feeling clean.
2. Elisha cleansed Namaan through Jordan River water.
3. In the Gospel Jesus cleansed this leper through word and touch.
4. In baptism we are washed of our sin and declared acceptable to God.
5. In communion Jesus touches us with cleansing grace and forgiveness.
Lesson 2: 1 Corinthians 9:24--27
Sermon Title: Why Do You Run?
Sermon Angle: Everyday, as I take my daughter's basset hound for a walk, I encounter runners. One runner pants so loudly that I can clearly hear his gasping a half block away. Why are all these people running? To take off pounds? To improve their health? To drain off frustrations? To live longer? There are many good reasons to run, I suppose, but none powerful enough to prompt me to put on my Nikes. Some of us just aren't joggers but we are all runners in the race of life. Are we competing against all the other runners or against the clock? Are we running with Jesus or do we expect Jesus to run with us? There is a difference! Are we running because someone or something is chasing us or because we seek the glorious prize of eternal life with God? What about you? Why exactly are you running?
Outline:
1. Paul ran with purpose because he had his goal clearly focused (v. 26a).
2. Many people run for sport. For what purpose?
3. We are all runners in the race of life but why are we running? To what end?
4. Run with Jesus to obtain the imperishable prize.
__________
The blockbuster movie Forrest Gump illustrates the question posed above. That is, why are we running? Where are we going? Forrest was a somewhat mentally deficient boy who started running to elude his persecutors. The doctor placed braces on his legs but one day when some bullies were chasing him down the road in their truck, he ran so fast that the braces just fell away. Forrest could run really fast. They put him on the college football squad and he ran around the ends and through the middle. He ran so fast that he scored touchdown upon touchdown. The problem was that he was so intent on his running that he didn't halt after reaching the goal line and so they placed a sign at the end of the field that read "Stop, Forrest!"
His girl friend, his only friend, Jenny, went away and then his mother died. After a time, he started running. At first he was just going to run to town but when he got there he decided to run across the county, then the state and then the country. He ran back and forth across the country three or four times. As he ran, people started running with him. They figured that he knew where he was going. They imagined that there was a cause or that he was going to momentarily utter some word of wisdom. Finally he got tired of running and went home.
I wonder how many of us are running merely because other people are running and we figure that they must know where they are going?
Gospel: Mark 1:40--45
Sermon Title: Mission Mandate: Offer Spiritual Cleansing!
Sermon Angle: The First Lesson features the cleansing of Namaan the leper by Elisha. In our Gospel Jesus heals a leper who spread abroad the good news of his healing. Our Christian mission impels us to cleanse and heal those who want to be made whole.
Outline:
1. The leper begged Jesus to cleanse him of his leprosy.
2. He wasn't sure Christ wanted to heal him (v. 40).
3. Jesus stood ready to cleanse him.
4. The pollution of our sins is great; the mission mandate for the church is for us to be cleansed by Christ, that we might clean up the world.
Sermon Title: What A Pity!
Sermon Angle: Jesus was moved with pity at the plight of leper; that pity moved him to action. What a pity! We use the phrase to mean "Isn't that too bad!" Jesus expressed his pity not through words but through actions of deliverance and mercy.
Outline:
1. What a pity! Jesus was moved to pity by the sight of the leper and his plea.
2. His pity led him to reach out his hand to cleanse and heal.
3. Our feelings may be moved by the plight of the unfortunate but that isn't enough.
4. Our pity must lead us to acts of compassion.
