Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Jesus Does Everything Well
³¹ Again, leaving the region of Tyre, He went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through^[a] the region of the Decapolis. ³² They brought to Him a deaf man who also had a speech difficulty, and begged Jesus to lay His hand on him. ³³ So He took him away from the crowd privately. After putting His fingers in the man’s ears and spitting, He touched his tongue. ³⁴ Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!”^[b] (that is, “Be opened!”). ³⁵ Immediately his ears were opened, his speech difficulty was removed, and he began to speak clearly. ³⁶ Then He ordered them to tell no one, but the more He would order them, the more they would proclaim it.
³⁷ They were extremely astonished and said, “He has done everything well! He even makes deaf people hear, and people unable to speak, talk!”
Questions:
1.   Why does his disciples or the crowd beg Jesus to heal this deaf man?
A.   Some wanted Jesus to simply heal their friend.  Others probably wanted to see if he would or could heal the deaf man.
2.   Why do you think Jesus took the deaf man away from the crowd privately?
A.   Jesus didn’t want to make a big scene that would draw attention to himself, and eventually lead to his crucifixion.  He did this to also show personal attention to the man.  He cares about all people and wants all people to be healed.  I’m sure the man now believes in Jesus.
3.   Why did Jesus use spit to heal the deaf man?
A.   Saliva was considered a valid treatment for healing during this time.  Jesus could have also rubbed his hands in the dirt before doing this act as well.  He used spit to communicate His intention to heal.
4.   Why did Jesus order them to tell no one about this healing?
A.   It wasn’t time for Him to be fully revealed.  He also didn’t want to be known for just healing.  He wanted people to hear and believe in Him.
5.   How were the people emotions in regard to Jesus healing this man?
A.   They were astonished and amazed.  

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