What is the meaning of Mark 7:31? Then Jesus left the region of Tyre “Then Jesus left the region of Tyre…” • Tyre was a coastal city outside Israel’s traditional borders. Just earlier, Jesus had delivered the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7:24-30), proving His compassion reaches beyond ethnic Israel. • By physically departing Gentile Tyre after that miracle, Jesus models purposeful movement: He never stays where a single victory occurred; He keeps advancing the Father’s plan (John 17:4). • Cross-reference examples of Jesus ministering outside Jewish confines—Matthew 15:21; Luke 4:25-27—show that Old Testament promises to bless the nations (Genesis 12:3) were always on His agenda. and went through Sidon “…and went through Sidon…” • Sidon lies even farther north than Tyre, so Jesus actually heads away from Galilee before circling south again. The route looks inefficient, but He is led, not lost (John 5:19). • His visit into deeper Gentile territory underscores that no place is beyond His reach. Centuries earlier, the prophets singled out Sidon as spiritually needy (Ezekiel 28:21-22); now the Messiah personally walks her streets. • Jesus’ mention of Tyre and Sidon when rebuking unbelieving Galilean towns (Matthew 11:21-22) foretold that these pagans might respond better than privileged Israelites—this journey illustrates that very truth. to the Sea of Galilee “…to the Sea of Galilee…” • After the northern detour, Jesus returns to familiar ministry ground. The Sea of Galilee is where He called fishermen (Mark 1:16-20) and calmed storms (Mark 4:35-41). • His path from Gentile lands back to Jewish soil pictures the gospel’s rhythm: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, yet always circling back (Romans 1:16). • Isaiah had foretold “Galilee of the nations” seeing a great light (Isaiah 9:1-2); every time Jesus re-enters this region He fulfills that prophecy afresh. and into the region of the Decapolis “…and into the region of the Decapolis.” • The Decapolis (“Ten Cities”) was a league of largely Gentile towns east and south of the lake. Jesus had earlier cast a legion of demons out of a man there (Mark 5:1-20). • That delivered man “went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him” (Mark 5:20). Now, when Jesus returns, He steps into ground already tilled by testimony—an illustration of sowing and reaping (John 4:38). • By traversing Tyre, Sidon, Galilee, and Decapolis in one verse, Mark highlights the sweeping scope of Christ’s mission, previewing the church’s later mandate to make disciples of “all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). • The geography also showcases Jesus’ tireless love: rough terrain, long miles, and mixed populations never deter the Shepherd from seeking sheep (Luke 15:4-7). summary Mark 7:31 records more than a travel itinerary; it unveils the purposeful, border-crossing heart of Jesus. He leaves Tyre, passes through Sidon, returns by the Sea of Galilee, and enters the Decapolis, weaving Gentile and Jewish territories into one ministry tapestry. Each step fulfills prophecy, widens the circle of grace, and prepares hearts for the gospel’s worldwide advance. The verse reminds believers that Christ still moves intentionally, pursuing people in every place—there are no accidental detours on His map. |
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