43 After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Prayer Focus: You may remember that we began this week with Jesus leaving Capernaum while it was still very dark to find a quiet place to pray. After healing the leper and the leper’s inability to contain the story of his healing by Jesus’ hand and word, Jesus can no longer go into the towns. If he enters town, he cannot do it openly. So he begins to spend most of his time in the country. People come to him from every quarter. They flock to see Jesus where he is. Pray on this Sunday morning that you will see Jesus where he waits for you. We long to be in the sanctuary, but perhaps Jesus has prepared a different place for you to meet him today. Pray that you might find Jesus where he is … and bring someone else along with you.