The Gospel of Mark: The Deaf Man

Then (Jesus) returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” ~ Mark 7:31-37



Everywhere he goes, people follow. They are amazed at what he does. How can they help but follow?

And how can they help but praise him? He has, we are told, done everything well. Everyone wants what he has to offer.

It's hard for us to know why Jesus wants still to keep silent about who he is. The more and more he tells people to be silent, the more they aren't!

And maybe that's the point. Maybe the good news of Jesus is just too good to keep quiet about. Maybe the amazing love from God through Christ is just meant to be shared.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Questions:


What is something that God has done for you that it is hard to keep quiet about?

 

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