The story of the healing of the leper is a wonderful story of Jesus' power over the destructive forces in this world. It comes at the conclusion of the first chapter. The first chapter of Mark is there as an introduction to who Jesus is. The first chapter of Mark has four healing miracle stories in a row, back to back.

In fact, there are five in this series. The fifth one opens up the second chapter, the story of the healing of the paralytic, who is lowered down to Jesus through the roof of a house. Jesus heals him, and then declares that he was healed because of the faith of his friends. It is a remarkable story.

So it is obvious. Mark, especially Mark, wants us to know that Jesus has come in order to heal. And that is brought home to us in this first chapter, back to back stories of he…