The Healing of the Deaf Mute (Mark 7:31–37) — A Sermon by R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this sermon, the congregation is guided through Mark 7:31-37, where Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. The preacher explores the significance of this miracle, drawing parallels to Isaiah's prophecy of the Messiah's healing powers. The sermon emphasizes Christ's excellence in all His works, from creation to redemption, and encourages believers to trust in God's perfect plan, even amidst life's trials.

Takeaways

• 📜 The scripture reading is from Mark 7:31-37, detailing Jesus' healing of a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment.
• 🙏 The congregation is asked to stand for the reading and to listen to the Word of God with reverence.
• 🔍 The sermon explores the puzzling travel itinerary of Jesus, suggesting it may have been symbolic or divinely guided, despite the lack of a clear answer.
• 🌐 Jesus' journey took him through diverse regions, including Tyre, Sidon, Decapolis, and the Sea of Galilee, indicating his mission to various communities.
• 👂 The healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment is highlighted as a significant miracle, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and power.
• 🗣️ The Greek word 'mogilalos', meaning speech impediment, is unique and used to draw a connection between this healing and a prophecy in Isaiah.
• 📖 A digression to Isaiah 35 reveals a prophecy of the Messiah giving hearing to the deaf and speech to the mute, suggesting a fulfillment in Jesus' actions.
• 🌿 The sermon contrasts the desolation described in Isaiah with the hope and redemption brought by the Messiah, as seen in Jesus' healing.
• 🕊️ The healing act symbolizes spiritual transformation, where believers, once deaf and mute to God's word, are now able to hear and proclaim it clearly.
• ✝️ The sermon emphasizes that Jesus does all things well, reflecting his divine nature and perfection in all his works, including redemption.
• 🙌 The response of the people to Jesus' miracle underscores their awe and recognition of his divine ability to heal completely and perfectly.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the scripture reading in the transcript?

The scripture reading focuses on Mark chapter 7, verses 31 through 37, which describes Jesus healing a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment.

Why does the speaker mention the itinerary of Jesus' journey as baffling to scholars?

The speaker mentions the itinerary as baffling because it describes a route that seems illogical and inefficient, similar to the wilderness wandering of Israel in the Old Testament.

What is the significance of the word 'mogilalos' in the context of the healing?

The word 'mogilalos', meaning 'speech impediment', is significant because it is used only twice in the Bible, and its other occurrence is in the Septuagint translation of Isaiah, connecting the healing to a prophecy.

How does the speaker describe the man's condition before Jesus healed him?

The man was described as being unable to hear or speak clearly, with a severe difficulty in articulating words that others could understand.

What prophecy from the book of Isaiah does the speaker refer to?

The speaker refers to Isaiah chapter 35, which contains a prophecy about the Messiah giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and enabling the mute to speak.

What is the symbolic significance of Jesus spitting and touching the man's tongue?

The symbolic significance could be that Jesus' action foreshadows the redemption brought by His blood, or it could be seen as a traditional method of healing in the ancient world, showing confidence in His healing power.

How does the healing of the man relate to the broader theme of redemption?

The healing relates to redemption as it symbolizes the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person becomes a Christian, moving from being deaf and mute to God's Word to being able to hear and speak clearly about God's glory.

What does the speaker mean by 'He has done all things well' in reference to Jesus?

The phrase 'He has done all things well' refers to the belief that Jesus performed everything perfectly, from His earthly life to His divine mission of redemption, without any failure or imperfection.

How does the speaker use the example of Jim Boice to illustrate faith in God's plan?

The speaker uses Jim Boice's acceptance of his terminal cancer diagnosis as an example of faith, showing that even in the face of suffering, a believer can trust that God does all things well.

What is the final prayer request made by the speaker in the transcript?

The final prayer request is for the removal of any chains from their mouths.