“Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.” Mark 7:31-35

“Jesus’ reputation as a miracle worker is now driving people’s reaction to his ministry. He is well known as a healer in Galilee, the region of Tyre and Sidon, and also Decapolis (the area of Ten Towns). Jesus can no longer operate in secrecy. It seems as if everyone has heard of him. However, as Mark will show in subsequent verses, the issue of Jesus’ concern has to do with the perception of the people. How can he call them to deeper discipleship if they see him only as a personal miracle worker? Jesus will re-assert his concern that people really know him as he wants to be known. This effort will mean conflict and misunderstanding in the following episodes in which we find Jesus. Yet despite this concern, he consistently shows personal, tender, and compassionate concern for the individuals in need while keeping his ministry from becoming just a traveling healing show.” (heartlight.org commentary)

I once posted this message on our sign out front of the church:

“A Closed Mouth Gathers No Foot”.

One of my members came to me and said “I don’t understand your message.” I explained to her that if we listen more, and talk less, we are less inclined to put our foot in our mouth — to say something that is offensive, or even something that is just plain stupid.

Jesus heals the deaf man and gives him two great gifts – the ability to hear, and the ability to listen. All of us can learn something from those who have learned the art of listening. It takes time to be a good listener. If you are a prolific talker, some would say you like to “hear yourself talk”. If you are a prolific listener, I would say you like to “listen to others”. Which do you think may make you wiser?

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, with so many demands on my time, I often find it hard to take the time to listen to my family and my friends. Please help me take the time I need not only to be good at giving advice, but more importantly to be a good listener. Amen.

Pastor Dave