From Outcasts To Family Mark 7:31-37

As we begin this morning, go ahead and turn in your copies of God’s Word to the Gospel According to Mark. This morning we will be looking in chapter 7:31-37. Have this passage ready for when we read it in a few minutes.

Last Sunday morning we looked at Mark 7:24-30 and the encounter Jesus had with a Syrophoenician woman, who had a young daughter that was demon possessed. She pleaded with Jesus to free her daughter from her bondage to the demon. Initially, it appeared like Jesus was turning her request down, He even appeared to insult her in the process. Rather than be insulted, she understood the reality of Jesus Words. That she wasn’t worthy to experience a feast at the table prepared for the “children of God”. Her response gave clear evidence of her understanding of her unworthiness, she wasn’t asking to feast at His table. Her faith was so strong that she knew that crumbs from the table would be more than enough to free her daughter. Jesus marveled at her faith and freed he daughter of the demon possession with nothing more than a thought from His mind.

While the story, appeared to go in an unexpected direction, we found out that in the end, Jesus invited her to feast at His banquet table. She may have taken a round about way to the table, but she still had the honor of a seat at the King’s banquet. You know, as I was preparing for this morning’s message, it dawned on me that we frequently see through, both the pages of His Word, as well as the path’s of our life, that the path God takes us on is rarely the well trodden path of the world. It’s almost like He has planned detours along the way.

Speaking of detours, let’s take a brief detour from the Gospel of Mark to the Book of Exodus, to see an example of a major detour, God had the Nation of Israel take. I believe you will see, as we look at this journey, that He had an important purpose behind this detour. Next Slide

Detour

Roughly 2 million Israelites left Egypt during the Exodus when God freed them from their slavery to the Egyptians. The Promised Land was not too terribly far from Egypt, but, while it was a land “flowing with milk and honey”, it was also a land filled with everything from giants, to multiple other enemies, to several nations steeped in idol worship. God had valuable lessons for the Israelites to learn before He brought them into the Promised Land, lesson’s they would have never learned had they taken the direct route.

Looking at the map, the first place He led them was right here. Right after getting to this point, the eyes of the Israelites moved from the path in front of them to the cloud of dust behind them. A cloud of dust created by the Egyptian Army, hot on their tails. All of the sudden they realized they had no where to go. As you look at this map, notice that directly south of them was mountains. With 2 million people, climbing the mountain pass was suicide. But directly north of them was the desert, again, there was no place to go. When they turned to face Moses, they saw the Red Sea just over his shoulder. Based on what they were able to see from every direction, they were doomed, trapped on every side with no way of escape. Which was exactly where God wanted them. He wanted them at a point where they realized, He was their only hope. Of course you know the rest of the story. You know that Moses lifted his staff and the waters of the Red Sea parted, that the Israelites crossed over on dry ground. That the pillar of cloud that was leading them, moved behind them, brought darkness for the Egyptian army, yet provided light for the Nation of Israel. Held the army at bay all night, giving the Israelites just enough time to get to the other side. Then, the pillar lifted and the Egyptian army pursued them into the Red Sea, at which point the wheels literally began to fall off of the chariots, until they, like the Nation of Israel earlier, where right where God wanted them. Then, Moses once again. lifted his staff, and the water returned to its place, killing the entire Egyptian army.

Looking back at the map, notice the path God leads the Israelites. It was anything but a direct path, but God had multiple lessons He wanted them to learn, lessons that took 40 years to learn, before Joshua, not Moses, led them into the promised land.

Perhaps your wondering the purpose behind this detour into the book of Exodus. I think you will see as we move forward, but right now, let’s read this mornings passage.

Please stand, in honor of the reading of God’s Word. Next Slide

Mark 7:31–37 ESV

31 Then he 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.”

Now, let’s get to the reason why we took a detour into the Book of Exodus.

By the end of verse 31 we discovered their ultimate destination. Look at verse 31, where were they going, what was their destination? (Decapolis). Yet what is the first place they went to upon leaving Tyre? (Sidon). Let’s look at this route on a Map. Next Slide

Detour 2

Notice, in many ways similar to what God did with the Nation of Israel, the path they took to Decapolis was anything but direct. We just read that the first place they went to upon leaving Tyre was Sidon. Where is Sidon on this map? Sidon was 20 miles north of them, yet their ultimate destination was way to the south. So, to begin with, Jesus led them 20 miles in the opposite direction. Honestly, to us, this just doesn’t make sense. If you are anything like me, when I pack up the car for vacation, I map out the most direct path to my destination, and it is never in the opposite direction! But Jesus doesn’t operate like us, because, in His eyes, the journey is just as important as the destination, in fact, there are times, especially for the child of God, that: Next Slide

The Journey is More Important than the Destination. Vs. 31

By the way, no where in Scripture are we given any indication what they did on the journey. But rest assured, there was a Divine purpose behind every step, behind every discussion.

You know, God does the same thing with us. So much of the time the path He leads us on makes no sense at all. It’s like He is leading us in the wrong direction. Certainly 2020 has been a detour none of us expected or welcomed, for that matter. But it is the path He has led us on. Remembering the 2 maps we have looked a this morning, and the way God accomplished His will via paths no GPS would have used, should serve as a good source of encouragement that God is in complete control.

From Sidon Jesus and the disciples headed west, well north of the Sea of Galilee, to the west side of the Jordan River then south to the region of Decapolis. Do you remember what took place the last time Jesus was in the region of Decapolis? Remember, this took place right after He calmed the storm by speaking “Peace be still.” Once they landed on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, they were met by a man possessed by thousands of demons. As I am sure you recall, he cast the demons out of that man and into a large herd of pigs, who proceeded to run off of a cliff into the sea, proving, long before Wendy’s restaurants were in existence that Jesus was the original Baconator!

Do you remember what the people of that region asked of Jesus after that encounter? (They asked Him to leave, and He obliged). Do you remember what the former demon possessed man asked of Jesus? (He wanted to follow Jesus) What was Jesus response? (He said “No” and challenged him to tell his friends and family all that Jesus had done for him). Keep that in mind as we move forward.

Notice the interesting difference in the minds of the people on Jesus return trip.

He: Next Slide

Moved From Outcast To Welcomed. Vs. 32; Matt. 15:30

He was once an unwelcome outcast, now He was sought after. In fact , while Mark only mentions one healing, in Matthews account we find out “great crowds came to Him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and they put them at His feet, and He healed them”. The question is, what changed? What changed these Gentiles from the region of Decapolis to move from wanting nothing to do with Him to surrounding Him with a huge crowd, bringing to Him those needing healing?

There may have been several things, but I believe the biggest reason for the change was: Next Slide

A Transformed Obedient Mouthpiece.

As we discussed a moment ago, Jesus didn’t permit the former demon possessed man to follow Him, instead He gave him an assignment. Actually, let me change my wording, He didn’t give Him an assignment, He gave Him a divine appointment, He placed His call on the mans life and that man heeded the call. I’m sure there were a number of things that caused this man to heed the call, but I believe that one of the biggest things that affected him was what he saw every morning when he woke up. He looked down and saw ankles wrists marred with scars from the chains he’d been bound with. His body was covered with scars from when he used to cut himself with sharp stones. His own body was a daily reminder that he’d been set free by Jesus.

You know, sometimes I think we forget who we were before Jesus set us free. Sometimes I wonder if we don’t look at ourselves and think we were worthy of being saved. Perhaps its because most of our scars aren’t visible to the naked eye. But Scripture is clear, none of us are worthy. Paul wrote in Romans 3:10-12, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks after God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” This man remembered well, he was transformed and wanted everyone else to experience what he had experienced.

O that we would do the same.

Moving back to Mark 7, we see: Next Slide

The Healing Touch of the Master’s Hand. Vs. 32-35

Here is a man brought to Jesus who is deaf and had evidently been deaf either since birth or by the age of 2 because he had a severe speech impediment, which is common for those that have been deaf most of their life. Generally people like this were considered outcast, which makes what Jesus did next rather compelling. We find out in verse 33 that He took “him aside from the crowd privately”. From that point on it gets a little weird. I believe Jesus took him aside so he realized he was special to Jesus. He gave him something he probably rarely ever received, one on one attention. But the other reason I believe Jesus took him aside is, Jesus wasn’t in it for the attention from the crowds, for the pats on the back. He was in it because He loved people, He had compassion on people. So he takes him to the side and begins to speak to him. Right now some of you may be thinking, “Wait, I don;’t see where Jesus speaks to him....outside of one Aramaic word at the end of verse 34.” But as I look at this passage, I see Jesus speaking to him in several ways, He just didn’t use words. Let me paint a picture for you of what i think took place. Some of this is clear in Scripture, but some of it is pure speculation on my part. The first thing I think He did was to put His arms around the mans shoulders and lead him away. The next thing I think He did was to have Him sit down, then I believe Jesus looked deep into his eyes. From this point forward we know what Jesus did. First He put His fingers into his ears. Now, the original Greek makes it clear that Jesus pushed His fingers deep into the mans ears. Next, Jesus spits, the general assumption is that Jesus spit on His own fingers then touched the man’s tongue.

Now, keep in mind, this whole time this man’s eyes are fixed on Jesus. Then, as this man watches, Jesus looks up into heaven, sighs deeply, and finely speaks actual words. But He had been speaking to him all along. Jesus was speaking to him in words and ways he could fully understand. Through Jesus actions this man knew he was special, he was no longer an outcast, no longer rejected. He was deeply loved, and when Jesus eyes went heavenward, this man understood that he wasn’t just special to Jesus, he was special to the God of creation. If he didn’t know it then, the message was driven home in what we read in verse 35; Next Slide

Mark 7:35 ESV

35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

As I close out this morning, there are 2 things I don’t want us to miss. The first is somewhat hidden in the original language, the second is a challenge from the actions of the man and his friends. starting with the first one; Next Slide

Hidden In Plain Sight. Vs. 32, 35 & 37; Isaiah 35:6

I suppose it’s not completely accurate to say, it’s hidden in plain sight, since it isn’t so plain in the English language, but in the original Greek it’s pretty clear. Really, it is 3 Greek words. The first one is seen in verse 35 where we read; “his tongue was released”. One of the Greek words used in this phrase literally means “chains” or “bond”. In other words, the picture is that his tongue was chained and Jesus released it, Jesus broke the chains that bound his tongue and gave him the freedom of speech. Although, we will learn in a few moments that it was supposed to be a limited freedom!

The next 2 Greek words are even more significant. One is in verse 32 and the other in verse 37. Both refer to the inability to speak. In verse 32 we see it in the phrase “speech impediment” and in verse 37 we see it in the word “mute”. In verse 37 we see it in the reaction of the Gentile crowd regarding all that jesus does. We read that “they were astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He does all things well. He even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’”

You may look at these 2 instances and think; “What’s the big deal, aren’t they both very similar?” And you’d be right. They are very similar. The difference lies not in their meaning but more in when they were used. The word for “mute” in verse 37 is the more common of the 2 words, it is used 6 times in Scripture, 3 times in Mark and 3 times in Psalms. But the words used for “speech impediment” in verse 32 is only used twice in all of Scripture. As you have heard me say many times, when it comes to God’s Word, there are no accidents, no coincidences. Every thing we read, is there for a reason, God has a divine plan and purpose behind it all, including the exact words He inspires the writers to use. In looking at this, keep in mind that Mark is writing to a Gentile audience, mostly to Roman citizens. Roman citizens had very little concern for the Old Testament, so Mark rarely reinforces Old Testament Scripture. But that is exactly what he does here. With that in mind, let’s look at the only other time this word is used. You will find it in the Book of Isaiah, in chapter 35, verse 6. Next Slide

Isaiah 35:6 ESV

6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;

“Isaiah’s prophecy is broken into two parts. The first part of his prophecy is about judgment. The second part of his prophecy is about salvation. The transition comes in chapter 35......(So), Why did Mark (choose to) use (the same) word (as Isaiah)? Such an obscure and rare word? ...I think (it was) to touch the hem of the eschatological robe of Jesus and give us a preview of the kingdom glory when men from every tongue and tribe and nation will gather into His kingdom and Jew and Gentile will be healed of all their diseases. Gentiles included in the glorious kingdom. What a picture. Salvation is offered through our Lord Jesus Christ to everyone, Jew or Gentile. And in Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile. We come to Him by faith in the gospel, the full message. Not just that Jesus is a healer and a worker of miracles, but that He is a Redeemer who gave His life on the cross, paid the penalty for our sins, rose from the dead triumphantly, as God endorsed Him by exalting Him to His right hand on His throne.” (John MacArthur-Sermon “To Speak Or Not To Speak” on Mark 7:31-37 on May 9. 2010).

It is as if Mark is saying to his Roman audience; “In the eyes of God, there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile. In just a few chapters you will see me write about the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and the one message I want you to understand clearly is that this message is as much for you as it is for the Jew. He died once and for all, for the sins of all who will call upon His name with a repentant heart.”

That was Mark’s message to his Roman readers, and it is God’s message to us today. Which brings us to the closing thought this morning. And that is:

Next Slide

Unable Not To Speak. Vs. 36

Look at verse 36, what is the charge Jesus gives to those that watched this miraculous healing? (He charged them to tell no one.) Can you imagine being the one He healed? You have never been able to clearly speak, and finally when you are able, Jesus tells you no to speak! Seriously, how could you possibly be silent! By the way, most likely the reason Jesus wanted them to remain silent, was that the story wasn’t yet complete. He hadn’t given His life yet and He didn’t want people to come to Him as the great healer, He wanted them to come to Him as the Great Redeemer. But they just couldn’t keep silent about what Jesus did that day. In fact we see at the end of verse 36 that “the more He charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.”

Jesus has given us the very opposite charge, He has commanded us to speak, not only that, He has promised to give us the very words to speak, if we will just trust in Him completely. You could say: Next Slide

We Are Enabled To Speak, Yet Remain Silent.

Church family, this has got to change. And this is the perfect time to make that change. Not only have we entered into a time of the year, the Christmas Season, when more people are open to, more ears are attuned to the things of God. But we are also in the midst of a pandemic where people are feeling hopeless and lost, and we have the Ultimate answer to their hopelessness. We must not remain silent. God has given us a perfect opportunity to give hope to the hopeless. Which may mean for some of us, that we have to take hold of that hope ourselves, stop living in fear of a pandemic or in the turmoil of a divided Nation, and rest in the Redeemer, the “Precious Lamb of God, Jesus, God’s Own Son.

Let’s close in prayer.