“I am willing”

The Willing Healer: Finding Hope in Our Struggles

Bible Passage: Mark 1:40–45

Summary: This passage narrates the encounter between Jesus and a leper, where the leper requests healing and Jesus, moved with compassion, heals him, demonstrating His willingness to restore and cleanse those in need.

Application: This sermon can help teens understand that Jesus is always willing to extend His mercy and healing to them, even amidst their struggles with self-esteem, peer pressure, or any personal challenges. It encourages them to approach Jesus in faith, knowing that He cares deeply for their well-being.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus not only has the power to heal but is also willing to do so, emphasizing the importance of faith in approaching Him. It highlights the compassionate nature of Christ and the importance of reaching out to Him in our own struggles.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage reflects the broader theme of Christ’s ministry, where He came to seek and save the lost and provide healing, ultimately leading to His ultimate act of healing through the cross—a provision for our spiritual and emotional healing.

Intro (Hook)

Story of repairing old things and making them new, Eg: Polo jacket, air forces, or maybe now thrifting stores v “vintage stores”

Jesus does the same with our lives. He doesn’t just heal the surface, but He is willing to dive deep, cleaning away our deepest struggles if we allow Him into our hearts. Trust Him with your mess!

Big Idea: Jesus is not only able to heal but also willing to transform our deepest struggles, inviting us into a relationship of trust and restoration.

Book

Provide context and now the change in the narrative for where we are in the book of Mark

Jesus introduced and announces his kingdom

Now he is demonstrating his authority

Over Sickness

laws of nature

demonic powers

Look

1. Seek the Savior

Mark 1:40-42

The story begins with the leper courageously approaching Jesus, despite societal rejection and religious laws against his presence.

highlight the leper's faith and desperation, illustrating how we, too, must come to Jesus with our struggles and vulnerabilities.

Perhaps you could stress Jesus’ immediate compassion and willingness, as He reaches out and makes the unclean clean.

This shows that Jesus is always willing to reach into the depths of our struggles and bring healing. This point emphasizes the call to come to Jesus with our hurts, trusting in His compassionate willingness to restore.

2. Share the Story

Mark 1:43-45

After the healing, Jesus instructs the leper to follow the Mosaic Law, showing respect for religious traditions even while performing a miraculous act. However, the healed man, in his joy, publicly shares his miraculous healing.

Maybe you could explore the tension between following Jesus' instructions and the joyful expression of newfound healing.

This can illustrate how Jesus' touch in our lives should lead us to testify to others, spreading the good news. The point reinforces that Christ's healing invites us into a transformative relationship, one that overflows and impacts those around us.

SO WHAT???

6381 Feed on Christ, and then go and live your life, and it is Christ in you that lives your life, that helps the poor, that tells the truth, that fights the battle, and that wins the crown.

Phillips Brooks (Bishop of Massachusetts)

In what areas of your life do you feel the need for healing from Jesus?

What does it mean to share your story of healing with others?

How can trusting in Jesus’ willingness help you face peer pressure or self-esteem challenges?

What steps can you take to share your experiences of Jesus' healing with others in your life?