What can we learn about faith from the healing in Mark 7:34? Setting the Scene • Jesus has been ministering in the Decapolis region when friends bring Him a man who is both deaf and nearly mute (Mark 7:31-33). • The Lord draws the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, then we reach verse 34. A Closer Look at Mark 7:34 “ And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (which means, ‘Be opened!’) ” • “Looking up to heaven” – an open, visible appeal to the Father, underscoring dependence rather than self-reliance (cf. John 5:19; John 11:41). • “He sighed deeply” – the Greek word carries the sense of a groan; Christ feels the weight of human brokenness (cf. Isaiah 53:4). • “Ephphatha” – Aramaic preserved to stress the historical eyewitness detail and the authority of Jesus’ spoken word (cf. Psalm 33:9). Lessons About Faith • Faith looks upward – Genuine faith recognizes every answer comes from the Father. – Hebrews 12:2 calls us to fix our eyes on “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” • Faith engages the heart – The Lord’s sigh shows involvement, not detached ritual. – Romans 12:15 urges believers to “weep with those who weep”; faith is never cold. • Faith trusts the spoken word of Christ – One authoritative command reversed years of disability. – Matthew 8:8-10 records a centurion whose confidence in a word from Jesus is praised as “great faith.” • Faith expects immediate, tangible results when God wills – Verse 35 reports, “Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released.” – Mark consistently links faith with “immediately” (Mark 1:42; 5:29). • Faith cooperates with divine compassion and power – Power alone could intimidate; compassion alone could sympathize; both together heal. – Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Putting It Into Practice • Begin prayers by consciously “looking up,” acknowledging utter dependence on God. • Allow your heart to feel what others suffer; compassion fuels intercession. • Stand on the plain statements of Scripture; speak them aloud over situations needing God’s touch. • Expect God to act in accordance with His revealed will, without doubting His ability or timing. • Celebrate answered prayer quickly, strengthening faith for the next step (Mark 7:36-37). |
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