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My Sheep Hear My Voice: Healed to Hear the Master
Mark 7:31-37
In his synoptic parallel Matthew gives a summary of this same missionary journey into the regions of Tyre and Sidon, Phoenicia, the land of the Gentiles. The people were amazed by the miracles and hearings that Jesus performed – upon Gentiles Mark links these verses chronologically with the previous section, both taking place in the regions of Tyre and Sidon. A great purpose being revealed by the Lord - Jesus is caring for the Gentiles by His words and His actions. And the fact that the Jewish Healer is healing them is the more strange and troubling part to them and to those following Jesus. As with the Syrian woman before, Jesus seems to be looking for something before He responds to the needs of these people. Mark specifically quotes Isaiah 35 which states: "The glory of Lebanon (this exact region) will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy" (Isa.35:2-6). Jesus is not in the land of the Gentiles to find some time away from the Jews, He is there to seek and to save His people, those who will hear His voice. A new age is dawning, a new people is being formed, in Christ! The new covenant context is literally opening before this man’s ears and speech. He is being healed to hear his Master!
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