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The Compassionate Touch

Mark 7:31-36 records a story of a deaf man with a speech impediment. Jesus is traveling with his disciples in a predominantly Gentile area. Wherever Jesus went, crowds followed Him. Many of them needed healing, and most were curious because there hadn’t been a Rabbi like Jesus travel to their area.

Read how tenderly Jesus encounters the deaf man in verses 32-33: “A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, 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.” Jesus knew of the man's social isolation and struggles, so He didn’t make a public spectacle of him.

Fortunately, this deaf man had a group of caring friends who showed their faith and believed Jesus could heal him. Then, “He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.” Jesus personally involved Himself in the deaf man’s misery. The touch and spit from Jesus healed him and enabled the man to speak clearly. Never mind the sharing of spit, the healed man gained confidence and was encouraged.

Jesus’ method indicates His deep compassion and understanding of the man's condition. “Ephphatha” means “Be opened" in Aramaic. In an instant, the man heard clearly, and his tongue was released, allowing him to speak freely! Jesus’ command illustrates His authority over physical limitations and His desire to restore. The man’s life was transformed. This amazing healing highlights not only physical healing but also a restoration of communication and connection with others.

It’s interesting in this story that Jesus instructs the former deaf man and his friends not to tell anyone (verse 36). But the more Jesus told them not to, the more zealously they proclaimed the healing news. Despite His command, the people can’t contain their excitement. Their sharing reflects the overwhelming joy and hope that Jesus brings. Jesus’ personal involvement highlights His deep compassion for individuals. The instruction to silence reflects the complexity of Jesus’ mission and His desire to adhere to the Father’s timeline to reveal Himself gradually.

This powerful story illustrates Jesus’ compassion and authority. It emphasizes the transformative impact of His touch, offering hope and healing to those in need while highlighting the importance of faith and community in the journey of restoration.