Eleven times in this lovely gospel of Mark, Jesus is asked to do something specific, 8 times he does it, 3 denials:
It is beautiful that He was willing to cleanse the leper. It is instructive that the man with a Legion of demons, -once healed- is sent to testify rather than walk with the disciples. It is strange that demons want to go into swine. It is sad the Pharisees sought a sign in their persistent unbelief. It is humbling to see the sons of thunder seek a place in glory not prepared for them.
God's NO's are good things.
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