Mark 1 Verse 44: “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses prescribed for your cleaning, as a testimony to them.”

Jesus was the Messiah, why did He not allow the man with the skin disease to spread the news about Him? Jesus did not want His programme co-opted by others. Jesus would real Himself on His own terms when the time was right.

Jesus’ purpose was not popularity and political insurrection but disciple ship and ultimately the cross. This point is particularly central to the book of Mark, so Mark includes several instances when Jesus ordered those whom He healed not to tell others about it.

Why show yourself to the priest, was referring to the ceremony described in Leviticus 14. Presents a beautiful picture in type of the work of redemption. The blood of a male lamb was applied to the man’s right ear {God’s Word}, right thumb {God’s Work} and the right big toe {God’s Walk}.

Then the oil was put on the blood, symbolizing The Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit cannot come on human flesh until first the blood was applied.

At that point in Mark, Jesus had not yet been crucified and that was an Old Testament practice. Now by Jesus dying on the cross and rising again, His blood shed on the cross, gives redemption to all who will accept. {John 3 Verse 16.} And the Holy Spirit can come into our lives as our helper and comforter.

A simple verse with a beautiful meaning about redemption.

God Bless.

OFJ