Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 1:16b "...but were eyewitnesses of His majesty."
Day 170 – Mark 7
“…but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16b
DIFFERENT WAYS OF HEALING
Mark noted a number of ways in which Jesus healed people.
1. The laying on of hands
This was a common practice. This was actually requested by the people of Decapolis on behalf of the deaf-mute.
2. Without being physically present
This was what Jesus did for the daughter of the Syro-Phoenician woman. He healed her from a distance. He did not need to be there to effect healing at all.
3. A third way was described in the following text
“And He took him aside from the multitude,
and put His fingers in 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.’
Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment
of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.”
MARK 7:33-35
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEAF MAN
Two vital lessons may be learned from this incident:-
1. Looking up to heaven
Jesus wanted people to know that His source of power came from His Father!
2. Choosing an elaborate form
Jesus could have easily healed the man without going through this elaborate form. But He wanted the deaf man to appreciate this truth- Healing must not be taken for granted! (Jesus sighed as He healed the man. Would he understand who has healed him)?
A SPECIFIC COMMAND
Jesus gave a specific command to the crowds. They were “to tell no one” (Cf. Mark 7:36). Sadly, His word fell on deaf ears.
“The more He commanded them,
the more widely they proclaimed it.
And they were astonished beyond measure, saying,
‘He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear
and the mute to speak.'”
MARK 7:36-37
Another great miracle has been performed, but few comprehended its significance. The focus was merely on the act of healing. No wonder Jesus sighed!