Mark 7:31-37 “The Grace of Ephphatha”

Mark 7:31-37 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Word of God Speak (MercyMe)
• Open Up Our Eyes – Elevation Worship
• Speak O Lord – Keith & Kristyn Getty

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus heals a man who was deaf (Mark 7:31-37) – Bible Story for Kids
• Open the eyes of my heart – IDMC Kids Church Worship Dance Music Video – YouTube – Song for Kids
• Light of the World | Stellar VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Shine | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After finishing his ministry in Tyre, Jesus left that place and went to Sidon. From there, he traveled through the region of the Decapolis (a group of ten Gentile cities east of the Jordan River), preaching the Word (v. 31). The region of the Decapolis was once inhabited by the tribe of Manasseh, but by the time of Jesus, it had become a Gentile territory. The phrase “He came to the Sea of Galilee” means that Jesus arrived in the Gentile area on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee.

Mark records one particular healing miracle that took place there. People brought to Jesus a man who was “deaf and had difficulty speaking” (v. 32) and begged him to heal him. This man was likely a Gentile. Jesus took him aside, away from the crowd. This indicated that Jesus had no desire to attract attention or gain popularity through his miracles. Then, he “put his fingers into the man’s ears, spat, and touched his tongue” (v. 33). Although Jesus had the power to heal with just a word from a distance, he chose to perform what seemed like unnecessary actions in this case.

At that moment, Jesus “looked up to heaven and sighed” (v. 34) before saying, “Ephphatha” (an Aramaic word meaning “Be opened”). His sigh was likely an expression of deep compassion as he fully understood the man’s suffering. Immediately, the man’s ears were opened, and his tongue was loosened (v. 35). Jesus then instructed the man and those who had witnessed the miracle not to tell anyone about it. However, neither the healed man nor the people around him could remain silent (v. 36). Overwhelmed by amazement at Jesus’ power, they were left wondering—Who truly is this man?

Meditation:

Why did Jesus perform these unusual actions for this man? In other miracle accounts, we see that he healed diseases and disabilities with just a word. At times, he laid hands on the sick, but in this case, He put his fingers into the man’s ears, spat, and touched his tongue—an unusual method. We cannot say with certainty why Jesus chose to do this.

However, we may find a clue in the phrase, “He looked up to heaven and sighed.” It seems that Jesus deeply felt the sorrow of this man, who had lived his life in a silent world. His actions were not necessarily because the man’s condition was particularly difficult to heal; rather, they reflected the depth of Jesus’ compassion for his situation. Jesus’ sigh was an expression of his heartfelt concern and empathy for the man’s suffering.

There may be yet another meaning behind Jesus’ sigh. As he looked at the man who could not hear or speak properly, he may have also been thinking about the people of that time who were spiritually deaf—unable to hear the truth. Perhaps he thought of his own disciples, who often failed to understand his teachings. He may have also considered the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, who were not only unwilling to listen to the truth, but were actively seeking ways to eliminate him. Furthermore, he may have sighed at the crowds who followed him—not because they longed for the truth, but because they were merely chasing after miracles.

Jesus must have sighed as he considered when this stubborn generation would finally awaken and understand the truth. Only then would they open their mouths to speak truthfully. When he said, “Ephphatha!” he was not only opening the ears and mouth of the deaf man but also praying that the ears and mouths of all people would be opened to the truth. His longing was for them to truly hear, understand, and proclaim the Word of God.

 Prayer:

Lord, place your fingers in our ears. Touch our tongues with your healing hand. Open our ears to hear the truth, and help us to speak according to that truth. Lord, close our ears to falsehood, empty words, and corrupt voices. Plant in our hearts a deep longing for the truth, and lead us to live by it. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus not only healed a man’s physical ears and mouth, but he also desires to open our hearts, ears, and mouths to the truth. His deep compassion shows us that he understands our struggles and calls us to listen to his word and speak his truth in our daily lives.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • What was it like for the man who couldn’t hear or speak? How do you think he felt when Jesus healed him?
  • Can you think of a time when you had to listen carefully? Why is it important to listen well?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Jesus sighed before healing the man. What does this tell us about how Jesus feels when people struggle?
  • What things in today’s world make it hard for us to hear and speak God’s truth? How can we stay focused on what really matters?
• For High School
  • Jesus prayed that not only the man’s ears and mouth would be opened but that all people would hear the truth. What does it mean for us to have “open ears” and “open mouths” in our faith?
  • In a world full of distractions, opinions, and social pressures, how can we be intentional about listening to God’s voice? What practical steps can we take?