"These [in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." - Acts 17:11
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(31) Soon after this, Jesus, coming back from the region of Tyre, passed through Sidon on to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of Decapolis [the ten cities]. (32) And they brought to Him a man who was deaf and had difficulty in speaking, and they begged Jesus to place His hand upon him. (33) And taking him aside from the crowd [privately], He thrust His fingers into the man's ears and spat and touched his tongue; (34) And looking up to heaven, He sighed as He said, Ephphatha, which means, Be opened! (35) And his ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak distinctly {and} as he should. (36) And Jesus [in His own interest] admonished {and} ordered them sternly {and} expressly to tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. (37) And they were overwhelmingly astonished, saying, He has done everything excellently (commendably and nobly)! He even makes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak!

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The spiritual picture presented in the miracle of healing a deaf-mute man is of the sinner's moral and spiritual condition. The tongue of the unconverted person is as estranged from God as his ear. Even the most polished and educated sinner betrays an impediment in speech as soon as spiritual truths are introduced.

The methods that Jesus uses for healing this deaf-mute man are unique. They are not so much His means of healing but signs intended to explain to him how healing would come. Mark reveals the variations in Christ's miracles. Some are healed in a crowd, some in solitude. Others are healed by a word, by a touch, or by clay. He heals a few at a distance and many when present. Sometimes the healing is instantaneous, while at other times, it is gradual. Because of His wisdom and omnipotence, God works through Christ as He deems best.

In this case, Jesus takes the man aside from the multitude. It appears that He wanted privacy to avoid any spectacle that might arise from unrestrained crowds (Mark 7:33). While away from the interruption of a noisy and pressing throng, quietly and privately, the man would be more attentive and receptive. It is important that Jesus awaken in the man a confident hope and an assured faith that he is to be healed.

Christ's response to those who brought the deaf-mute man for healing is simply to heal him. Although they presume to dictate the method of healing, Christ nevertheless honors their faith. He often works out His purpose in spite of us. However, this is not an excuse for our own failures but a demonstration of God's grace in granting us favor.

— Martin G. Collins

To learn more, see:
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Deaf-Mute (Part Two)



 

Topics:

Estrangement from God

God's Grace

Healing of Deaf-mute

Jesus Christ's Miracles: Healing a Deaf-mute

Miracles of Jesus Christ:Healing a Deaf Mute




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