32 And evening having come, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all who were ill, and who were demoniacs, 33 and the whole city was gathered together near the door, 34 and he healed many who were ill of manifold diseases, and many demons he cast forth, and was not suffering the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 And very early, it being yet night, having risen, he went forth, and went away to a desert place, and was there praying; 36 and Simon and those with him went in quest of him, 37 and having found him, they say to him,—'All do seek thee;' 38 and he saith to them, 'We may go to the next towns, that there also I may preach, for for this I came forth.' 39 And he was preaching in their synagogues, in all Galilee, and is casting out the demons,
40 and there doth come to him a leper, calling on him, and kneeling to him, and saying to him—'If thou mayest will, thou art able to cleanse me.' 41 And Jesus having been moved with compassion, having stretched forth the hand, touched him, and saith to him, 'I will; be thou cleansed;' 42 and he having spoken, immediately the leprosy went away from him, and he was cleansed. 43 And having sternly charged him, immediately he put him forth, 44 and saith to him, 'See thou mayest say nothing to any one, but go away, thyself shew to the priest, and bring near for thy cleansing the things Moses directed, for a testimony to them.' 45 And he, having gone forth, began to proclaim much, and to spread abroad the thing, so that no more he was able openly to enter into the city, but he was without in desert places, and they were coming unto him from every quarter.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 1:32-52
Commentary on Mark 1:29-39
(Read Mark 1:29-39)
Wherever Christ comes, he comes to do good. He cures, that we may minister to him, and to others who are his, and for his sake. Those kept from public ordinances by sickness or other real hinderances, may expect the Saviour's gracious presence; he will soothe their sorrows, and abate their pains. Observe how numerous the patients were. When others speed well with Christ, it should quicken us in seeking after him. Christ departed into a solitary place. Though he was in no danger of distraction, or of temptation to vain-glory, yet he retired. Those who have the most business in public, and of the best kind, must yet sometimes be alone with God.
Commentary on Mark 1:40-45
(Read Mark 1:40-45)
We have here Christ's cleansing of a leper. It teaches us to apply to the Saviour with great humility, and with full submission to his will, saying, "Lord, if thou wilt," without any doubt of Christ's readiness to help the distressed. See also what to expect from Christ; that according to our faith it shall be to us. The poor leper said, If thou wilt. Christ readily wills favours to those who readily refer themselves to his will. Christ would have nothing done that looked like seeking praise of the people. But no reasons now exist why we should hesitate to spread the praises of Christ.