557. MAR 7:32. THE CURE OF THE DEAF MAN

Mar_7:32. The Cure of the Deaf Man

"And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue," &c.’97Mar_7:32.

Numerous as the Redeemer’s miracles were, yet variety as to the mode of effecting them, was constantly manifested. To some he simply spake, and the cure was wrought’97with others, means were employed’97and in the use of these, the miraculous power was communicated. It was obvious that all cases and circumstances were alike to Jesus, and that all power was given unto him, both in heaven and on earth. We often see, too, that the benevolent emotions of the people led them to bring the miserable and the afflicted to Christ. It was so on the present occasion. He was now passing through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one who was truly an object of compassion. Observe,

The nature of his affliction. The miracle performed. And the effects which were produced.

I. The nature of his affliction.

1. He was deaf. The sense of hearing is especially precious. It is one of the main inlets of knowledge and enjoyment. It is one of the chief links in social intercourse, and one of the sweetest bonds of communion with our fellowmen. The want of this sense greatly isolates man from his fellow-creatures, and dries up one of the few streams of happiness which this world affords.

2. He had an impediment in his speech. It was with extreme difficulty he could confer with those around him. Thus his affliction was greatly increased. Yet it was his mercy that he was not absolutely dumb. That, though with difficulty, he could have intercourse with his friends. Notice,

II. The miracle performed. Antecedently to the exertion of the Saviour’s miraculous interference, he was brought to Christ that he might put his hand upon him, Mar_7:32. Then observe,

(1.) Jesus took him aside. Perhaps to conceal from the multitude the mode of the miracle, lest they might presumptuously endeavor to imitate him, or it might be, to avoid ostentation.

(2.) He then put his fingers into his ears, &c., Mar_7:33. Obviously to sanctify the use of means, and to indicate to the afflicted man, that his Divine power was about to be directed to the seat of his maladies.

(3.) He acknowledged his Father, and evinced the deep compassion of his spirit. And looking up to heaven, he sighed, &c., Mar_7:34. Here we see the pious emotions of Jesus. The pity of his soul, which produced such commiseration for the afflicted children of men.

(4.) He pronounced the cure-working word. "And saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened:" Mar_7:34. "And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain," Mar_7:35. Is not this a striking representation of the sinner’s state’97deaf to the Divine commandments’97whose mouths glorify not God; having no communion with the Creator, nor spiritual intercourse with his people? When such are brought to feel their need, and to come to Jesus, by his omnific yet gracious word, he unstops the ears of the deaf, and he makes the dumb to sing for joy Notice,

III. The effects which were produced. Doubtless, in the man, grateful joy. But in the people,

1. Wonder and admiration. Christ charged them to tell no man,’97but their feelings of astonishment and delight could not be restrained. Hence it is written, "So much the more a great deal they published it," Mar_7:36.

2. They extolled and glorified Christ. For, astonished, they exclaimed, "He hath done all things well," Mar_7:37. His works are wondrous, beyond the power of man, and they are all gracious and benevolent. He curses not,’97he inflicts no woes nor calamities,’97but "maketh the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak." Moses, Elijah, and Elisha wrought miracles of terror and judgment. Jesus, only miracles of love and mercy. "He hath done all things well." How many could have joyously responded to the declaration. How many blind and paralytic, and lame and leprous, had experienced the mighty energy of his arm, and the tender compassions of his soul! And is not this,

(1.) The testimony of all his saints on earth? Do they not all bear witness to the power and grace of the Saviour? Are they not all the trophies of his mercy? The language of each converted soul is, "He hath done all things well."

(2.) This is the testimony of all the redeemed in heaven. All the beatified around the throne extol the wondrous love of Jesus. All their ears were opened to his word, by his power. All their tongues were loosed to sing his praise at his bidding. And through all eternity, with adoring wonder and grateful praise, they will exclaim’97"He hath done all things well." We just ask, ‘What think ye of Christ?"

(1.) Have you ever contemplated his Divine character and glory?

(2.) Have you ever reflected on his mighty works and marvellous doings? How he displayed these during his ministry on earth!

(3.) How grace alone shone in all the miracles he wrought! Did he not do all things well?

(4.) Are you the subjects of his saving favor? Has he removed your spiritual maladies? Enabled you to hear and rejoice in his word,’97to bless and glorify his name? Is it not the Christian’s duty and delight to spread abroad the fame of the Redeemer? To tell to others that he hath indeed done all things well?

Autor: JABEZ BURNS