Mark 7:31-37
Having healed a Syrian woman’s daughter after she
convinced him that even the dogs deserved the crumbs under the table and
displayed her faith and humility, Jesus heads away from Tyre and Sidon, down to
the Sea of Galilee and the Decapolis. “There some people brought to him a man
who was deaf and who could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand
on the man.” (verse 32)
The reputation that Jesus was healing people spread
quickly, and as he traveled people heard he was in their area and it
spurred them to action. In this case “some people” (friends of the man?)
brought him to Jesus. Often it takes the strong encouragement, even
accompaniment of friends to move a person to a place where healing and
wholeness is offered. A few weeks ago I had a friend strongly encourage me to
telephone a famous pastor and he gave me the personal cell number. I had
thought about calling this pastor, but my friend’s strong encouragement led me
to do so, and a very helpful conversation ensued. These friends are similar to
the friends of the lame man who lowered him down through the ceiling of a
packed house in order to be near Jesus.
Jesus took this man aside, away from the crowds and
ministered to him. Jesus used touch and even spit along with prayer and the
command “be opened.” The man’s ears were opened and his tongue loosened, and he
began to speak plainly. With the power of the living God, Jesus brought
wholeness to this man. I can only imagine what this must have been like for the
man, to have the son of God touch his ears, apply spit to his tongue and look
up to heaven as he spoke the command “Ephphatha.” How long had he struggled
with deafness? My mother lost most of her hearing as a young teenager, and
struggled a lot. In her late 30s she underwent surgery with a new technology
that restored most of her hearing. I remember how excited she was, and how it
changed her life. This (unnamed) man receives this gift from the hand and the
word of Jesus. If only we could track the rest of this man’s life, and see how
it ended up!
“People were overwhelmed with amazement, ‘he has
done everything well’ they said.” (37a) It was obvious to the people who were
present that a miracle had occurred. They saw it, experienced it, spoke with
the man and were amazed. In April and May I will preach a series of messages on
“Miracles”, beginning with the resurrection, and continuing into Miracle May. I
believe that in the presence of Jesus miracles occur, and when we can bring our
friends into His presence, their lives will be changed for the good, with new
possibilities and potential. During "Miracle May" we are asking people to give to Wesley from their financial resources Which will enable the church to pay down its debt in order to begin construction on new children's facilities that will make possible bringing more children to Jesus at Wesley!
Guide me Holy Lord as I walk with you during these
40 days, and experience the miracle of your presence and the gift of your
Spirit leading my way. Use me as your shepherd this week.
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