Is there a dominant set of religious beliefs in Ellijay? What is that, and why is that set of ideas most popular?
What are some half-truths or false understandings about Jesus that you have heard?
Why do you think people choose to believe these specific things about Jesus, but not the entirety of who He is and what He does?
Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Mark 7:31-35 ESV
What are the specific actions Jesus took in restoring this man?
On Sunday, I characterized this approach as unique… Bizarre, even. Do you have any thoughts about why Jesus chose to heal this man in this strange way?
How does this miracle help us better understand the degree of concern Jesus has for people?
Jesus’ healing brought wholeness to this man’s physical life. What are some opportunities we have to make the lives of people more complete?
And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:36-37 ESV
Jesus commanded the people to keep this healing a secret. How did the people respond? What does this tell us about their perception of Jesus and His reputation at that time?
What most amazed the crowd about Jesus? Why do you think that was the case?
Read Isaiah 35:4-6. What were the people looking for from the promised Messiah? How did Jesus compare to their expectations at this point in His ministry?
Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.” And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland.
Isaiah 35:4-6 NLT
Should this story of Jesus impact the way you and I love and live personally, in community and in our world?
Imagine you’re talking to a coworker or friend who isn’t a Christian. How would you use Jesus’ healing miracles to help that person better understand Jesus’ identity and mission?
The healing miracles in Mark remind us that we all have great stories. What’s your story of redemption? Consider writing it down and sharing it with someone this week.
