The Touch of Compassion

Mark 1:40-41

I. COMING INTO CONTACT WITH A LEPER WAS BOTH DANGEROUS AND UNLAWFUL.

(Lev.13:45-46)

A. No one touched lepers.

B. They were to remain separate.

C. They were to cry unclean.

II. JESUS DID NOT TOUCH HIM IN ORDER TO HEAL HIM PHYSICALLY.

A study of Jesus’ healing practices reveals great diversity of approach.

Examples: Mark 2:11; 3:5; Luke 13:13

III. JESUS TOUCHED HIM TO HEAL HIS SOUL.

A. Jesus knew what it would take to reach the man.

B. What kind of religious man shows such love?

IV. CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY IS NOT TO MIMIC THE METHOD BUT THE HEART.

A. Faith healers usually employ the same tactic when executing their practice.

B. The healing we bring is as diverse as the people we minister to.

C. We need the heart of compassion.