Mark 7 - Nathanael

This chapter of Mark has several important components:

1) Mark 7:1-23 - That which defiles

Verses 18-19: "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them?19 For it doesn't go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)

Jesus here declares all food clean, which is an important factor that affects how we eat each day

Verses 20-23: He went on: "What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person."

This is a great list of evil which defiles us.  It is easy for us to feel "good" about ourselves which leads to pride, hypocrisy and more evil.  But Jesus is clear about what types of things are evil and defile us - not just the external acts but the internal thoughts.  The great news is that we can learn that we are indeed sinners in need each day of a savior, and submit and surrender ourselves and our lives to Jesus who loves us and is faithful to forgive and cleanse us of unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  Also as we surrender to him he changes our desires (will) and enables us to act righteous (Phil 2:13).  Now that is great news!!

2) Mark 7:24-30 Syrophonecian woman's faith

There are many interesting aspects but what is standing out to me today is that Jesus' power can heal in person and from far away (as in this case).  He is responding to the faith of the person. Jesus' goal in healing is not just to help people in the temporary situation, but for them to know that he is God and that he loves them.  In this case, the woman's faith is strong and isn't in need of him being there to know that he is the source of the healing.  This is quite contrasted from the next section with the deaf and mute man.

3) Mark 7:31-37 - Deaf and mute man

In this passage, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man by touching the parts of the man that were in need of healing.  So the question is, "why does Jesus touch the man in this case but heal remotely in the prior situation?" In this case, the man could not see nor hear Jesus so he wouldn't even know that he is there.  But the man can feel Jesus touch.  After Jesus touches these broken areas in his life and then he is healed, he would know that there is a direct connection between the two situations.  He then would know that Jesus is the source of his healing and beyond just being healed, he can know the source of eternal salvation and know the God who loves him - the source of eternal healing.

Thank you Jesus because you not only have the power to heal, the love and desire to heal but you also know how we need to receive your healing!!