April 15 - By Faith

April 15 - By Faith - Mark 7:24-37

Jesus left Capernaum and went to Tyre, which is about 40 miles northwest in what we now know as Lebanon. He needed time alone and a chance to be with His disciples. But, his reputation preceded Him and that just wasn't going to happen. A Gentile woman found Him and begged Him to heal her daughter, who was possessed by an evil spirit.

When Jesus came, His ministry was to begin with Israel. The time for the Gentiles had not yet begun. It wasn't appropriate to interrupt a meal to serve the dogs. But, she knew what she needed and replied that sometimes the dogs eat even while the children are being served.

Jesus saw her humility and depth of faith in Him. This is the only miracle in Mark's gospel that Jesus performed from such a distance and without a vocal command.

He then left Tyre and Sidon and went down to the Decapolis. Remember Legion? That's where he went to spread the good news about what had happened for him. This is deep into Gentile territory. He has begun this ministry. Nothing that God does is ever without a plan.

Friends bring a deaf man to him. Jesus took him aside so that he could communicate with the man. He knows our hearts? He also knows how to reach to the very depths of us. By touching his ears and spitting, he indicated what would happen for the man. Then Jesus sighed. There's no explanation of why ... it could be that He recognized the deep struggle within the man or it was an expression of sympathy, but it was loud enough that someone heard it. He spoke in Aramaic which Mark translated for His readers.

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone, hoping to avoid unneeded publicity, but the more He commanded, the more they kept talking. These people are excited about the man that has come into their midst. They want to tell everyone what they see and hear.

Are you excited about Jesus? Who will you tell?