I) The Deaf Mute - Mark 7:31-17
Decapolis = 10 cities (Gentile area)
Question: was this man Jewish?
did he know of Jesus? (was deaf!)
did he know why his friends brought him to Jesus?
why did Jesus take him aside?
Why did Jesus put fingers in his ears?
why did Jesus spit and touch his tongue?
MARK DOESN'T SAY!!!
Jesus tells people not to tell about the miracle - is not yet time for His Messiahship to be revealed
My guess = (1) Jesus = communicating His intent (to heal)
(2) Jesus is establishing rapport "led aside/touched/face to face/talking (signs)/ connecting.
Healings were never impersonal!!
Was this necessary for healing? No - a word = enough!!
So... (1) must be for the man's benefit...
(2) shows something of the person and character of Jesus.
II) The blind man - Mark. 8:22-26
(again) led outside the village (away from people)
spit on eyes?/ (John 9 "spit and made mud")
result = partial cure (only time recorded!)
then.. question, touch again, TOTAL cure!!
These miracles/healings odd! unusual! Unique to Mark. Not recorded in any of the other gospel accounts.
Why did Mark record them?
What do they add to our understanding of Jesus? the Gospel? the Kingdom?
(for one thing) they illustrate truths found through-out scripture!!!
(1) Jesus has time for you
then He was in the flesh, local only (in one place at a time), yet took time!!
Now = Omnipresent ... Has time for your, wants time with you. Therefore,
We should take time for others!
(2) Jesus' interactions are always personal
On one hand, were times when many were healed - Matt. 14:14
However, never = mass healings! always individual and personal!!
Point: He wants to interact with you.
(A) personally - example: Billy Graham crusade; thousands touched, yet each feels Individually addressed!
(B) on a level you can understand (example: these men)
You may not know a lot about Jesus, But, you know enough to take the next step!!
Which = all He requires of you TODAY!! - one step
(3) Jesus' intent is always healing
Not always Physical healing!!
Is no record He ever refused a physical healing ... until after the Resurrection!! (after His Lordship was fully established)
Then?? example: Paul's thorn in the flesh - 2 Cor. 12
On one hand, is a mystery.
However, "no healing till heaven"
So,,, what is the healing He intends NOW?!?
Answer = healing of mind and soul
God intends..
(1) healing through salvation - born again, forgiven, reconciled, assured of your place in heaven.
(2) healing through Sanctification - ie: the life-long process of developing, growing, becoming what God saved you to be. Phil. 1:6
He wants you to (1) come to Him
(2) continue to grow in Him
(3) eventually find Absolute healing in Him
(4) Though He takes you aside and deals with you privately and personally, Others are always watching!!
ie: watching your salvation, sanctification, growth, development, "healing" ministry (service)
Example: Kids and parents - church, Sunday School, etc.
LIFEWAY SURVEY - Sunday School Attendance - 2016
if neither parent attends.... 6% of kids will attend as adults
if only mother attends ... 15% of kids will attend as adults
if only father attends ... 55% of kids will attend as adults
if both parents attend ... 72% of kids will attend as adults
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
81% of Catholic teens adhere to parent's faith
80% of evangelical teens adhere to parent's faith
By reverse ... of teens whose parents are religiously unaffiliated - 86% describe themselves as "NONES"
Are dozens of similar surveys, stats may vary a bit,
BUT, #1 - the PATTERN IS CONSISTENT!!
#2. - though particularly true of families ... nevertheless, KNOW THIS:
(A) others are watching you
(B) your faith, lifestyle Makes a Difference!! (and could Make an Eternal Difference)
Your response to Christ affects others!!
(5) regardless of where you are in your spiritual walk....
you have friends that need Jesus.
friends (A) brought the men
(B) begged Jesus to heal them
On one hand, can't drag, push people to Jesus
However, CAN invite them, love them to Him.
Closing: John 4:35
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