Jesus left Tyre and went up to Sidon before going back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him.
Key Thought
Jesus’ reputation as a miracle worker is now driving people’s reaction to his ministry. He is well known as a healer in Galilee, the region of Tyre and Sidon, and also Decapolis (the area of Ten Towns). Jesus can no longer operate in secrecy. It seems as if everyone has heard of him. However, as Mark will show in subsequent verses, the issue of Jesus’ concern has to do with the perception of the people. How can he call them to deeper discipleship if they see him only as a personal miracle worker? Jesus will re-assert his concern that people really know him as he wants to be known. This effort will mean conflict and misunderstanding in the following episodes in which we find Jesus. Yet despite this concern, he consistently shows personal, tender, and compassionate concern for the individuals in need while keeping his ministry from becoming just a traveling healing show.
Today’s Prayer
Father, with so many demands on my time, please help me not to cave into the demands of others to be the person they want me to be. I want to please you. At the same time, dear Father, please help me deal personally and compassionately with people as your Son did. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Mark 1:35-42John 2:23-25John 6:22-27Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.