Jesus: Meeting Us with Compassion and Understanding
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into Mark 7:31-37, where Jesus heals a deaf and mute man. This story is unique to Mark's Gospel and highlights Jesus' extraordinary methods and deep compassion. Jesus' actions, such as putting His fingers in the man's ears and using His own saliva to touch the man's tongue, might seem strange or even gross to us. However, these actions reveal Jesus' willingness to meet people where they are, even if it means doing things that are considered unclean or unconventional.
We explored how Jesus' actions were not random but intentional, much like the precise brushstrokes of Bob Ross, who transforms seemingly chaotic lines into beautiful landscapes. Jesus' methods were a paradigm shift, challenging societal norms and religious expectations. He didn't just heal the man; He communicated with him in a way that the man could understand, showing that Jesus is deeply personal and relational.
We also discussed the significance of the Greek word "mogilelon," used to describe the man's speech impediment, which appears only once more in the Bible, in Isaiah's prophecy. This connection underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people. Jesus' sigh before healing the man reflects His deep empathy and grief over the brokenness of the world.
Furthermore, we drew parallels between this story and our own lives, emphasizing that Jesus meets us in our unique circumstances and communicates with us in ways we can understand. This is a call for us to do the same for others, especially those who are different from us or have special needs. At Peak City Church, we strive to follow Jesus' example by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Finally, we were reminded of Moses, who had a speech impediment but was used mightily by God. This serves as an encouragement that our limitations do not hinder God's work. We are called to share the gospel, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower our words and actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Meets Us Where We Are: Jesus' unconventional methods in healing the deaf and mute man show His willingness to meet people in their unique circumstances. He communicates in ways that are deeply personal and understandable to each individual. This teaches us to approach others with the same level of empathy and intentionality. [04:03]
2. Breaking Societal Norms: Jesus' actions challenge societal and religious norms, especially concerning cleanliness and purity. By touching the man in ways considered unclean, Jesus demonstrates that true purity comes from the heart. This calls us to look beyond outward appearances and societal labels to see the inherent worth in every person. [05:45]
3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The use of the Greek word "mogilelon" connects this healing to Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people. This reminds us that Jesus' actions are part of a larger divine plan, and His miracles are signs of God's kingdom breaking into our world. [07:17]
4. Empathy and Compassion: Jesus' sigh before healing the man reflects His deep empathy and grief over the brokenness of the world. This teaches us that true compassion involves understanding and sharing in the suffering of others, not just offering quick fixes. [15:28]
5. Empowerment Despite Limitations: The story of Moses, who had a speech impediment, serves as a powerful reminder that our limitations do not hinder God's work. God equips and empowers us to fulfill our calling, and the Holy Spirit works through our weaknesses to accomplish His purposes. [26:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Reading of Mark 7:31-37
[04:03] - Bob Ross and Jesus' Intentional Actions
[05:45] - Jesus' Unconventional Methods
[07:17] - Greek Word "Mogilelon" and Prophecy
[09:10] - Jesus' Empathy and Sigh
[10:46] - Astonishment of the Crowd
[12:31] - One-on-One Healing
[14:04] - American Sign Language Interpretation
[15:28] - Jesus' Deep Compassion
[17:03] - Jesus Meets Us Individually
[18:39] - Peak City Church's Inclusive Approach
[20:04] - Kids Ministry and Special Needs
[21:39] - Invitation to Serve
[23:09] - Hebrews 4:16 and God's Accessibility
[24:53] - Moses' Speech Impediment and God's Empowerment
[26:26] - God's Call to Share the Gospel
[28:21] - Holy Spirit's Empowerment
[30:00] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Response
[31:40] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 7:31-37
- Isaiah 35:5-6
- Hebrews 4:16
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific actions did Jesus take to heal the deaf and mute man in Mark 7:31-37? How did the crowd react to this miracle? [02:30]
2. What is the significance of the Greek word "mogilelon" used to describe the man's speech impediment, and where else is this word found in the Bible? [07:17]
3. How did Jesus' sigh before healing the man reflect His empathy and understanding of the man's suffering? [15:28]
4. How does the story of Moses' speech impediment in Exodus relate to the theme of empowerment despite limitations? [26:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose such unconventional methods to heal the deaf and mute man? What does this tell us about His approach to ministry? [05:45]
2. How does the connection between the Greek word "mogilelon" and Isaiah's prophecy highlight Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise? [07:17]
3. In what ways does Jesus' sigh before healing the man demonstrate His deep compassion and empathy for human suffering? [15:28]
4. How does the story of Moses encourage us to trust in God's ability to work through our limitations? [26:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus met the deaf and mute man in his unique circumstances and communicated in a way he could understand. How can you apply this approach in your interactions with people who have different needs or backgrounds? [12:31]
2. Jesus' actions challenged societal and religious norms. Are there any societal norms or prejudices you need to challenge in your own life to see the inherent worth in every person? [05:45]
3. Reflect on a time when you felt limited or inadequate. How can the story of Moses' speech impediment and God's empowerment encourage you to step out in faith despite your limitations? [26:26]
4. Jesus' deep empathy and compassion were evident in His sigh before healing the man. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and compassion in your daily interactions? [15:28]
5. At Peak City Church, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment. What specific actions can you take to contribute to this mission, especially for those with special needs or different backgrounds? [18:39]
6. Jesus' miracles are signs of God's kingdom breaking into our world. How can you be more aware of and participate in God's work in your everyday life? [07:17]
7. Think of someone in your life who might feel marginalized or overlooked. What practical steps can you take this week to show them that they are valued and loved? [12:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Meets Us in Our Unique Circumstances
Jesus' unconventional methods in healing the deaf and mute man show His willingness to meet people in their unique circumstances. He communicates in ways that are deeply personal and understandable to each individual. This teaches us to approach others with the same level of empathy and intentionality. Jesus' actions, such as putting His fingers in the man's ears and using His own saliva to touch the man's tongue, might seem strange or even gross to us. However, these actions reveal Jesus' willingness to meet people where they are, even if it means doing things that are considered unclean or unconventional. [04:03]
Mark 7:33-34 (ESV): "And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, 'Ephphatha,' that is, 'Be opened.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when someone met you in your unique circumstances and showed you empathy. How can you extend that same level of understanding and intentionality to someone in your life today?
Day 2: Challenging Societal and Religious Norms
Jesus' actions challenge societal and religious norms, especially concerning cleanliness and purity. By touching the man in ways considered unclean, Jesus demonstrates that true purity comes from the heart. This calls us to look beyond outward appearances and societal labels to see the inherent worth in every person. Jesus' methods were a paradigm shift, challenging societal norms and religious expectations. He didn't just heal the man; He communicated with him in a way that the man could understand, showing that Jesus is deeply personal and relational. [05:45]
Matthew 15:11 (ESV): "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person."
Reflection: Reflect on a societal or religious norm that you have accepted without question. How can you challenge this norm to better align with Jesus' example of seeing the inherent worth in every person?
Day 3: Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The use of the Greek word "mogilelon" connects this healing to Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people. This reminds us that Jesus' actions are part of a larger divine plan, and His miracles are signs of God's kingdom breaking into our world. The connection underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people. Jesus' sigh before healing the man reflects His deep empathy and grief over the brokenness of the world. [07:17]
Isaiah 35:5-6 (ESV): "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 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."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises impact your faith? What specific promise of God can you hold onto today, trusting that Jesus will fulfill it?
Day 4: Deep Empathy and Compassion
Jesus' sigh before healing the man reflects His deep empathy and grief over the brokenness of the world. This teaches us that true compassion involves understanding and sharing in the suffering of others, not just offering quick fixes. Jesus' actions were not random but intentional, much like the precise brushstrokes of Bob Ross, who transforms seemingly chaotic lines into beautiful landscapes. Jesus' methods were a paradigm shift, challenging societal norms and religious expectations. [15:28]
Romans 12:15 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you show them deep empathy and compassion today, beyond just offering a quick fix?
Day 5: Empowerment Despite Limitations
The story of Moses, who had a speech impediment, serves as a powerful reminder that our limitations do not hinder God's work. God equips and empowers us to fulfill our calling, and the Holy Spirit works through our weaknesses to accomplish His purposes. We are called to share the gospel, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower our words and actions. [26:26]
Exodus 4:10-12 (ESV): "But Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.'"
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel limited or inadequate. How can you trust God to work through this limitation to fulfill His purposes? What step of faith can you take today to rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment?
Quotes
1. "There are no random brush strokes with Bob Ross. There are no random gestures or words. There are no works done by Jesus Christ. So give it time, and I think today we'll see Jesus' grand vision for this deaf and mute man." [04:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Instead of us judging the outward appearance, we are supposed to look inward, and make sure that what is inside of us is pure, is God-centered, is focused on the things that Jesus is focused on." [05:45] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He does not just command the mute to sing. He touches their tongues, maybe even with his own. Saliva? Gross. There is no precedent for the way Jesus interacts with this man. This is too wild to make up, and some commentators, I don't think this is necessarily correct, but they say that the other Gospels have left this story out because it's a little too gross for them." [09:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He did not come just to save the whole world, but not me, because I'm unworthy. He came to save you precisely because you are unworthy. And Jesus meets us where we are." [17:03] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "To lepers, whose skin was decaying, who no one wanted to touch them, he came and he touched the untouchable. To the religious leaders, he challenged their intellect with his compassion. To the deaf, he signed. And to the mute, he made it possible not just to speak, but to sing." [18:39] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You can change a child's life just by speaking to them in a way that they understand. I hope you know that. I just want you to talk to me if you have any sort of interest, because I would be happy to welcome you, to talk with you to see if you would be an amazing fit with our team and to see where you want to get plugged in." [21:39] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "God Almighty is using you to make a difference in this world for Jesus. And so, as God knows each child personally and kid by kid, this is how He approaches you and me individually, one-on-one, person by person. He knows every hair on my head. Seriously, He knows your pain. He knows how much you've gone through, and He will not leave you in your suffering." [23:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The same Jesus who stuck His fingers into a deaf man's ears is the same one enthroned in glory who hears your prayers, who loves you to the very end. He knows you. He knows your heart. And so, we believe that the church is a place of healing where every person is given a chance to meet Jesus." [23:09] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Moses' impediment did not impede the work of the Lord. God was with Moses every step of the way, from Pharaoh's courts to the Nile River, through the wilderness to Mount Sinai and into the promised land. And so I challenge you, if you are here and you are Christian, I charge you with your own calling to go and preach the gospel and share with somebody the utterly astonishing work of God who still does all things well." [28:21] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "He has obliterated your sin on the cross. If you just come to him, he will make all things well. I hope you will learn this lesson today that he loved you and knew he took on the cross so you would be raised from the grave. Share with somebody the power, the glory, the love of Jesus Christ this week." [30:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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