Mark 1:40-45
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
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| Children's author & illustrator Kevin Henkes and me |
When I think of the word celebrity, movie stars, authors, and athletes come to mind. I've stood in line for an hour or more to get an autographed book from a prominent author. My husband and I have attended Reds Fest and moved through crowds to gather names and photos with players. And oh the craziness that surrounds television and movie celebs. Why do we do it? My honest response--I'm not sure. I love children's books and meeting the authors who write and illustrate them. I can say I've met them and maybe that gives me a bit more authority on the subject. I enjoy baseball and meeting the players, it's fun.
I don't know if paparazzi followed him, but in Jesus day he was a celebrity. We read where he was hated by the Pharisees and many others in authority. Yet when he was among the people, he was chased down by the crowds. In Mark when Jesus healed the leper he gave him specific instructions: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone... ” Did the leper listen? Nope. He went and told everyone he saw about Jesus. Why did they chase Jesus? Because he healed. He loved. He taught. Jesus offered new life. They had excellent reasons for seeking out the Savior. As a follower of Jesus, I strive to chase him every day. He's my hope. He heals. He loves. He's the "star" I follow. The one I celebrate!
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