What Jesus Did! 'The Touch of His Hand' — Mark 7:31-32

Monday, May 6, 2024

Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.
— Mark 7:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

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.

Today's Prayer

Father, with so many demands on my time, please help me not to cave into the demands of others to be the person they want me to be. I want to please you. At the same time, dear Father, please help me deal personally and compassionately with people as your Son did. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 1:35-42
  • John 2:23-25
  • John 6:22-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 7:31-32 NLT — A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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