Jesus uses spit and fingers to heal a deaf man, but more than a miracle is happening here: This reveals something Messianic about Jesus and something malicious in our hearts.
Our text in this study is: Mark 7:31-37
Series: Who Do You Say That He Is?
Gene Pensiero Jr
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Falling On Deaf Hearts (Mark 7:31-37) | Why Jesus Commanded Silence After a Miracle
A Study in Spiritual Deafness and Divine Power: Join us in this Bible study as we journey with Jesus through the region of the Decapolis (a non-Jewish, Gentile territory) and examine a powerful, specifically Messianic miracle recorded only in Mark’s Gospel (Mark 7:31-37). The story begins with a man who is deaf and has a serious speech impediment. His friends bring him to Jesus, perhaps hoping only for a simple blessing, but they witness something far greater: an undeniable sign that the long-expected Messiah has arrived.
The Significance of the Miracle and the Spitting: We dive into the fascinating details of Jesus’ unique, personal interaction with the man. Why did Jesus take him away from the crowd? Why the touching of the tongue and the (admittedly awkward!) use of saliva? This hands-on, deeply personal moment reveals Jesus’ compassion and serves as a powerful illustration that He desires total access to our hearts and lives, like a loving Father and trusted Physician, to expose the sickness and dry rot of sin. We’ll connect this miracle to the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah 35:5-6—a clear indicator for those searching for the Kingdom of Heaven and the Son of God.
The Paradox of Disobedience: Here’s the kicker: After Jesus immediately heals the man—opening his ears and loosening his tongue with the simple Aramaic command, “Ephphatha!” (Be Opened!)—He issues a strict order: “Tell no one.” Yet, the people immediately and repeatedly disobey the very One who performed the supernatural cure! It’s a jaw-dropping paradox. They were extremely astonished and convinced that “He has done everything well,” but they refused to submit to His direction.
The Danger of a Deaf Heart: This passage serves as a mirror reflecting the stubbornness and rebellion in our hearts. The men who could physically hear refused to listen to Jesus, and those who could speak would not bridle their tongues at His command. We are often prone to spiritual deafness—quick to welcome God’s provision and power, but resistant to His correction, restrictions, or dominion over our self-governance. We must remind ourselves that Jesus’ goodness and wellness extend to His commands, even when they challenge our independence.
A Call to Obedience and Transformation: This Calvary Chapel message urges Christians and those interested in spirituality to move beyond mere excitement about Jesus’ power. The true healing work must happen in the heart so that we can truly hear God’s word and be transformed. Let’s learn from the contrast in this story and submit our lives to the Lord, seeking to be led in His everlasting way and sent out with His message to proclaim.