Mark 1:35–45 — Expectations of Jesus

What do you expect from Jesus — and what if he doesn’t meet those expectations? In the final verses of Mark 1, Jesus challenges his disciples’ assumptions and ours, choosing mission over popularity and bringing the outsider in through healing. Originally preached to Ekklesia Churches by Dan on May 18, 2025. This message explores two scenes: Jesus retreating to pray and moving on from Capernaum despite his rising fame, and Jesus healing a leper in an act of compassion. Teaching Highlights: Jesus prioritizes prayer and the Father’s will over an enthusiastic crowd. True blessing is found in the pleasure of God, obtained through Jesus! The leper’s healing shows that Jesus comes to cleanse the outsider, which is all of us! Our expectations of Jesus must be shaped by the cross, not our own desires. Jesus doesn’t always do what we expect, but we can always expect Him to work all things our for His glory and our good. Learn more about us at EkklesiaChurches.org.