From the Many to the One
Opening Prayer
Spirit of God, I need You today. You are welcome in my life—have Your way in me.
Read MARK 7:31–37
31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[a] 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.
33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.
36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Reflect
As you read the account of this healing, pray that you will be open to the Spirit of God in all of his power and possibility.In this final passage from Mark, Jesus leaves Tyre and travels to Sidon by way of the Ten Towns, eventually arriving at Lake Galilee, where a man who is deaf with a severe stammer is brought to him. Taking him aside, Jesus places his fingers in the man’s ears and, using spittle and the words “be open,” brings healing and wholeness (33,34). It is important to realize that for Jesus, every healing was a moment of heaven touching earth—the coming of the kingdom. The placing of the fingers in the ears and the command “be open” were for the man to become open to the power of the Spirit—often seen as the finger of God—and to know restoration to fullness of life.
This week’s journey with Jesus began with the feeding of a vast crowd and concludes with the healing of an individual; it is important to realize that the concern of Jesus is for the many and the few. In the mission and ministry of Christ’s community, it is vital that the big picture is understood and taught, but that the individual is always honored and affirmed.
Apply
Think of individuals you know who need the love and wholeness of Jesus. How might you share it with them?
Closing prayer
God, use me as Your Spirit works with power and compassion in the lives of those around me.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.