Reading the Word

Mark 7:31–37 (ESV)

31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Parallel Text: Matthew 15:29-31

Understanding and Applying the Word

Jesus was traveling in the region of the Decapolis, the ten cities. This region was largely Gentile in population and points us to the fact that Jesus did not only come to minister to and save the Jewish people, but came as the Savior of all of mankind.

In these verses, Jesus again performed a miracle of healing a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. When the crowds saw what Jesus did, they were “astonished beyond measure” (v. 37). The comment of the crowd as quoted in verse 37 points back to Isaiah 35:1-10, which states that there would be a day when God would work in a special way among his people. In that day, the blind, deaf, lame, and mute would be healed. In Jesus, that day had dawned. Jesus attempted to quiet the fast-spreading news of his miracle-working, but the people were talking. The news traveled far and wide and the crowds were growing larger and larger as people came with their sick and to see who this man, Jesus, was.

It is interesting to see the zeal of the crowds in spreading the news of Jesus. No one could keep them quiet! How wonderful it would be in our day if we shared the same passion. What would this world be like if believers everywhere were as ready to share the Good News of Jesus, the one who brings salvation to all? Yet, most believers are all too ready to remain quiet and speak little of Jesus. Let us not remain quiet, but let us tell the world of the One who brings life and healing to all who call on him!

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