What can we learn from the people's faith in bringing the deaf man? Setting the Scene “Some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him.” (Mark 7:32) Faith That Acts • These unnamed friends did not merely feel concern; they moved their feet. • Their initiative mirrors the four men who lowered the paralytic through a roof (Mark 2:3-4). • True faith always expresses itself in concrete deeds (James 2:17). Faith That Intercedes • They “begged Jesus” on the man’s behalf—an early picture of intercessory prayer (1 Timothy 2:1). • Like the centurion who pleaded for his servant (Matthew 8:5-10), they trusted Jesus’ authority more than their own ability. Faith That Persists • Traveling in the Decapolis region meant effort and uncertainty, yet they kept going until they reached Christ. • Their perseverance echoes the Canaanite woman who would not give up (Matthew 15:21-28). Faith That Honors Christ Alone • They did not rely on rituals or remedies; they asked for Jesus’ touch. • This singular focus embodies Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Faith That Inspires Witness • After the healing, “the more He ordered them not to tell anyone, the more they proclaimed it” (Mark 7:36). • Andrew brought Simon to Jesus (John 1:41-42); the Samaritan woman invited her town (John 4:28-30). Faith naturally turns outward. Living It Out Today • Bring people to Jesus in prayer, trusting Him to open ears—both physical and spiritual. • Act when compassion nudges; do not wait for perfect conditions. • Keep pressing through obstacles, believing Christ remains willing and able. • Center every effort on His power, not ours, so He receives all glory. |
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