‘A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.’ —Mark 1:40-45 NLT
Can’t Keep Quiet
over time, things that used to
we can become so
“A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. ‘If You are willing, You can heal me and make me clean,’ he said.” - Mark 1:40 NLT
“Those who suffer from a serious skin disease must tear their clothing and leave their hair uncombed. They must cover their mouth and call out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as the serious disease lasts, they will be ceremonially unclean. They must live in isolation in their place outside the camp.” - Leviticus 13:45-46 NLT
“It is sometimes easier to believe in God’s power than in His mercy.” - Walter W. Wessel
Jesus’
“Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him.” - Mark 1:41 NLT
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” - Matthew 14:14 NIV
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” - Matthew 9:36 NIV
“Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.” - Matthew 20:34 NIV
“‘I am willing,’ Jesus said. ‘Be healed!’” - Mark 1:41 NLT
“Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.” - Mark 1:42 NLT
“Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: ‘Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” - Mark 1:43-44 NLT
“But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and He couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to Him.” - Mark 1:45 NLT
we can’t keep
Discussion Guide
Sermon Summary
This message challenges believers to reflect on how easily we can become quiet about Jesus—not because He’s changed, but because we’ve grown too familiar. Pastor Thomas-Steele highlights a universal truth: things that once thrilled us can lose their impact over time, including our awe for Jesus.
Drawing from Mark 1:40–45, we witness a leper—cast out, broken, and desperate—who comes to Jesus unsure of His mercy, but confident in His power. Jesus not only heals the man but touches him, restoring his dignity and declaring, “I am willing.” The leper’s response? He couldn’t keep quiet, even when told to.
The sermon emphasizes that many of us once felt that same fire—gripped by grace, passionate in praise, and unashamed in sharing Jesus. But over time, life’s pressures, distractions, and spiritual comfort can cause us to go quiet. The call is clear: reignite the wonder, remember what Jesus has done, and return to a faith that can’t stay silent. Because when we truly reflect on His mercy, goodness, and provision—we can’t keep quiet.
Sermon Points
Over Time, What Once Impressed Us Can Stop Phasing Us
Just like childhood experiences lose their magic, our awe of Jesus can fade when familiarity sets in. We risk treating the miraculous as mundane.
We Can Become So Focused on What’s Next That We Forget What Jesus Has Done
Life’s distractions and pressures often shift our attention away from Jesus. When we lose focus on His goodness, our fire begins to fade.
We Can’t Keep Quiet When We Remember All God Has Provided
Like the healed leper in Mark 1, remembering our rescue reignites our passion. When we reflect on God’s mercy, we’re compelled to speak, worship, and live boldly.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker:
Can you think of a childhood experience that felt magical back then but doesn’t feel the same now? Why do you think that happens?
Spiritual Reflection:
Have there been seasons in your life where your passion for Jesus faded? What contributed to that change?
Scripture Focus:
Read Mark 1:40–45. Why do you think Jesus chose to touch the man with leprosy instead of just speaking a word? What does this reveal about His character?
Personal Application:
What are some of the things Jesus has done for you that you may have grown too familiar with? How can you rekindle your gratitude and awe?
Living It Out:
What’s one intentional way you can “not keep quiet” this week—through conversation, prayer, worship, or service?
Practical Application Challenge
Share Your Story
This week, tell someone—family, friend, coworker—what Jesus has done in your life. Whether it’s your full testimony or a small story of His recent faithfulness, make a point to speak up and share.
Refocus Daily Attention on Jesus
Each day this week, spend 5–10 minutes reflecting on one specific way Jesus has shown you mercy or provided for you. Write it down or pray it aloud. Let your gratitude renew your awe.