Reflections on Mark 7 – The theme of our chapter is sincerity. It begins with condemnation against the Pharisees for their legalistic corruption of God’s laws, by putting their tradition of ceremonial (done so that others could see) handwashing over true, loving, God-honoring obedience. Jesus cares most of all about the condition of one’s heart. If it is reflecting evil, and :21 spells it out, that person has missed the mark.
Verse :24 “Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know which house he was staying in, but he couldn’t keep it a secret.” Beloved, Jesus couldn’t keep his presence a secret; may your lesson be that YOU are not to hide Jesus. If He is truly in your heart, your home and your life, His presence should be evident.
Scripture goes on to say a woman, whose daughter was demon possessed, found him right away and begged him to cast the demon out. Jesus asks a question that would not only set her daughter free, but would also create a relationship of faith for this Gentile woman. Her response has been a power-verse in my life against insecurity… “She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, bet even the dogs under the table are allowed to eat the scraps from the children’s plates.’” :28 Beloved, this is the kind of faith Jesus will bless! If you find yourself wrestling with your worth, your significance, or any level of self-loathing, remember these words. May you grab onto a crumb and know that it is more than enough.
Then Jesus is asked to heal a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, :32. He does some odd things, but look closer. Jesus led the man aside, giving him individual attention. Jesus put his fingers in the man’s ears, touch matters. Jesus used his own spit, okay gross, but also, saliva has medicinal properties in that it kills germs. Jesus looked up to heaven, all glory to God.
Beloved, I hope you were blessed by this chapter. May your heart be pure; may your faith carry you to Jesus, and may you use your god-given abilities to love those He brings to you.
Read Chapter 8.
Judy in the Sky 