But
he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.
Mark 1:45
Mark 1 [41.] … He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out, and said to him, “See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.”
Mark 1 [45.] But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.
Mark 2 [1.] When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house. Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them.
Meaning:
The first chapter of Mark ends with the healed leper doing the very thing Jesus had asked him not to do. Overjoyed at his cleansing, he told everyone. This verse shows how hard it is to keep quiet about what Jesus has done, and how even well-meant disobedience can have unexpected consequences.
- He Began to Proclaim It Much:
"But he went out, and began to proclaim it much": Jesus had "strictly warned" the man to say nothing and to go to the priest (Mark 1:41-44). Instead, he spread the news everywhere. His joy is understandable: he had been an outcast, and now he was clean. Yet his enthusiasm ran ahead of Jesus’ instructions.
- Jesus Could No More Openly Enter a City:
"So that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city": The man’s announcement drew such crowds that Jesus could not continue His plan of preaching from town to town (Mark 1:38-39). The leper was now free to enter the towns, while Jesus had to stay outside them. In a small way this pictures what Jesus would do on a far greater scale: taking the place of the outcast so that others could be brought in.
- They Came From Everywhere:
"But was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere": Even in lonely places, people sought Jesus out. Nothing could stop the spread of His fame. Jesus also used such places for prayer and time with His Father (Mark 1:35).
The Significance for Believers
- Obedience Matters:
Our love for Jesus is best shown by following His words, even when we think we know better. Good intentions are no substitute for obedience.
- Telling What Jesus Has Done:
Although this man was told to wait, after Jesus’ resurrection His followers were sent to be His witnesses "to the uttermost parts of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Those who have been made clean by Christ have a story worth telling.
Cross-References:
Mark 1:44: "See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them." The instruction the healed man did not follow.
Mark 1:38: "Let’s go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason." Jesus’ plan to preach in the towns was hindered by the crowds.
Mark 1:35: "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there." Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.
Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth." After the resurrection, Jesus sends His followers to tell the world.
Conclusion: Mark 1:45 closes the first chapter with a man so full of joy at his healing that he could not keep quiet, even though Jesus had asked him to. As a result, Jesus had to stay in desert places, yet people came to Him from everywhere. The verse reminds us both of the importance of obeying Jesus and of the irresistible attraction of His power and compassion.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible