The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee. Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” Mark 7:31–37
The hands-on touch is absolutely necessary to healthy, authentic Christianity. While we must send missionaries, and we must give money to the Church and to missions, we cannot touch by proxy.
When faced with a need right before him, Jesus did not ask Peter to be his surrogate hands. Neither did he throw money at the need, thinking that that would fix things. 1
Personal Encouragement
Have we been reaching out to others, touching them in their misery? Are we giving time to listen to the needs of others? Have we been willing to be uncomfortable to help others?
Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:3
When you minister to another in His Name, He is ministering to them through you.
A Prayer
Lord, please touch me so I can touch others, for Your glory.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1989). Mark: Jesus, servant and savior. Westchester, IL: Crossway Books.
