We cannot on our own power save ourselves. Or do what we might hope. But with Jesus. All things are possible. Whether or not He grants immediate relief for our needs. He is with us always! And will provide help and hope.
Prayer: Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn: # 39 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.
That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.
And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Mark 7:24-37
Then Jesus returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 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. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Hymn: # 40 How Firm A Foundation
Today we have yet another of Christ’s remarkable healings. Jesus was noticed and celebrated for His amazing power.
People watching did not always recognize who He was. Or why He did such incredible things. But we know!
As we consider how Jesus healed a man born deaf and mute. We will be encouraged to think about how we can ask God to “open our ears.”
We may have trouble physically hearing things. And sometimes we don’t pay attention or understand what the Lord says through His Word and through others.
That’s why we want our ears, mouths, and hearts to be receptive to hearing and sharing His truths.
I don’t do all things well. Like fixing things around the house. Or preparing taxes. If I must make dinner. I must find a recipe that calls for three ingredients or less.
But guess what? I know someone who does…and you know Him, too! I’ll bet you can guess who it is…
That’s right, JESUS does all things well.
In fact. In our Gospel passage today, we see people comment on that.
Jesus was traveling about. And performing some remarkable miracles. He healed and helped many. And in this story. He had just finished curing a woman’s daughter of nasty demons.
All that Jesus amazed people did. They knew and trusted that He could do anything.
There were some people who brought Him a man who could not hear or speak. Jesus did not want to make a big public ordeal out of this. But He cared for the man and wanted to help him.
He took him aside and did something strange. Jesus put his fingers into the deaf man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue and said “Ephphatha.”
That word “Ephphatha,” means “be opened.” And it worked!
The man was able to hear and speak instantly. The people who knew him were amazed. Jesus didn’t want them spreading the word too much about what had happened, but they told others anyway.
They said of Jesus “He has done all things well.” They realized there was nothing He could not do.
So what does this mean for us? For one thing, we can recognize the awesome power of Jesus.
He did amazing miracles while He was here on Earth. And He continues to make miracles happen. Jesus can do anything.
On our own. We might struggle with things. But we know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Now, this does not necessarily mean we’ll suddenly be able to hit homeruns. Or create masterpiece artwork. Or fix cars.
And it might not mean that Jesus will heal us right away if something is hurting. But we understand that He promises to be with us. He is present with us always. And He will one day make all things new.
In this passage, we can also think about how God opens our ears, too. We might not have a hard time hearing. But sometimes we forget to truly listen.
We don’t always know how to understand or react to what others say. Or what God says in His Word, the Bible.
But we can ask Jesus to open our ears so that we would listen for His voice. We can ask Him to open our mouths so that we can tell other people about His love. And we trust that He will help us. Because Jesus does all things well!
Lord, thank you for your love and care. Thank you for your amazing power. You do all things well. Thank you for your work in our lives. Open our ears to hear your word. And open our mouths to share your love with others. 1
Luther's Seal copyright Ed riojas, Higher Things
1 https://ministry-to-children.com/jesus-heals-a-deaf-man-mark-7-childrens-sermon/
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