What Jesus Did! 'Away from the Crowd' — Mark 7:32-35

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to [Jesus], and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.

Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man's ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man's tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said, "Ephphatha," which means, "Be opened!" Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!

— Mark 7:32-35 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' concern is clearly to bless and heal this man, not to make a name for himself. He has power over disease as well as demons. His desire is to use that power to bless and deliver, not to amaze or bewilder the crowds. As God's Son among us, Jesus is personal and intentional with his care. He will not exploit another's misfortune to receive praise just as a miracle worker. What a powerful lesson for all of us who call him our Lord and example.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the powerful example of Jesus. He is not just trying to please a crowd, but to bless the broken and train his followers. Please give me this same balance in my life and in my ministry. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Open My Ears
Article by Alan Smith
Do you need Jesus' help to hear? While many folks can hear, they often don't listen and refuse to hear the things they most need to hear.
Little Things, Big Differences
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, During My ministry on earth, I talked about how important a person's heart is (Mark 7:1-23 is just one example.). The Jewish religious...."
The Touch of His Hand
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was...."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 7:32-35 NLT — "Ephphatha," —— "Be opened!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 5:15-16
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 1 Corinthians 1:28
"Walk the streets by moonlight, if you dare, and you will see sinners then. Watch when the night is dark, and the wind is howling, and the picklock is...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Leonard Ravenhill:
"A man may study because his brain is hungry for knowledge, even Bible knowledge. But he prays because his soul is hungry for God."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'We Are Called to Suffer with Christ'
"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!