The Audience Mark Is Writing To
To Mark’s Roman audience, this miracle where Jesus heals the deaf man would highlight Jesus’ personal approach and supernatural ability. Romans respected decisive power—and this moment reflects both strength and tenderness.
Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus’ Character
Jesus is shown as compassionate, intimate, and powerful. He doesn’t heal from a distance; He draws close, touches, groans, and speaks healing.
📖 Scripture: Mark 7:31–37 (NASB)
Again He left the region of Tyre, and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, within the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to Him a man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking, and they begged Jesus to lay His hand on him. And Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers in the man’s ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly. And He gave them orders not to tell anyone; but the more He ordered them, the more widely they continued to proclaim it. And they were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even those who are deaf hear, and those who are unable to talk, speak.”
The People Jesus Interacted With
Jesus interacts with a deaf man and those who brought him. He draws the man away from the crowd for a deeply personal moment of healing.
What Happened in the Scene
The man is brought by friends, and Jesus doesn’t put on a show. He removes the man from the crowd, uses physical touch to communicate, and speaks healing into being. The man is healed—ears and mouth opened.
Mood and Tone
The tone is gentle and awe-filled. This is not a spectacle—it’s intimate ministry marked by care and quiet power.
What Jesus Said
“Ephphatha!” — Be opened.
This single command undoes years of silence and struggle. It’s a word of complete restoration.
The Response of the Others
- The man’s friends rejoiced.
- The man was instantly transformed.
- The crowd couldn’t stop proclaiming the miracle, even when told to stay silent.
The Lesson for Us in 2026
- Jesus Meets Us Personally – He takes time for individuals, not just crowds.
- His Power Is Transformational – One word from Jesus can undo years of brokenness.
- God Still Opens What’s Closed – Ears, hearts, doors—whatever’s shut, Jesus can open.
This story reminds us that Jesus still speaks “Be opened” over our lives today. No limitation is beyond His touch.
