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

Saturday, May 7, 2016

While he was there, some people brought a man to him. This man was deaf and could not talk. The people begged Jesus to put his hand on the man {to heal him}. Jesus led the man away from the people to be alone with him. Jesus put his fingers in the man's ears. Then Jesus spit and touched the man's tongue. Jesus looked up to the sky and made a breathing sound. Jesus said to the man, "Ephphatha!" (This means, "Open!") When Jesus did this, the man was able to hear. The man was able to use his tongue and spoke clearly.
— Mark 7:32-35 NLT
Illustration of Mark 7:32-35 NLT — "Ephphatha!" —— "Open!"

Key Thought

Jesus concern is clearly to bless and heal this man, not to make a name for himself or to use miracles for his own advantage. 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 make a name for himself. 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 trying to grow 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

  • Matthew 6:1-4
  • Mark 5:37-43
  • John 8:3-11

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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