Ephphatha: The Power of Jesus’ Touch – Mark 7 v 31-37

31 Then Jesus went out again from the region of Tyre and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had difficulty speaking, and they asked him to place his hands on him.

Jesus encounters a man who is isolated, dealing with a speech and hearing impairment. He’s in a world of silence, unable to fully engage with those around him. In our isolation and struggles, Jesus meets us with His transformative touch.

33 After Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, he put his fingers in the man’s ears, and after spitting, he touched his tongue.

Jesus takes the man away from the crowd, away from the noise. Sometimes, Jesus works on us in the quiet moments, away from the distractions, to bring about a profound change. Instead of using elaborate methods, Jesus does something personal and unique. He touches the man’s ears, spits, and touches his tongue. Jesus doesn’t always follow a set formula. His personal touch in our lives can be unexpected but is always purposeful.

34 Then he looked up to heaven and said with a sigh, “Ephphatha” (that is, “Be opened”). 35 And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue loosened, and he spoke plainly.

Jesus looks up to heaven and says, “Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened.” Immediately, the man’s ears are opened, his tongue is loosened, and he speaks plainly. Jesus’ word has transformative power. When He says, “Be opened,” our lives can experience a profound opening.

The man’s healing is not just physical; it’s about breaking barriers. His silence is turned into speech, and his isolation is shattered. Jesus’ touch breaks barriers in our lives, bringing healing that goes beyond the surface.

36 Jesus ordered them not to tell anything. But as much as he ordered them not to do this, they proclaimed it all the more. 37 People were completely astounded and said, “He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

The crowd is amazed, and they can’t contain their excitement. They spread the news far and wide. When Jesus touches our lives, the transformation is not something we can keep to ourselves. His work in us is meant to be shared, inspiring others with hope.