“Ephphatha! Be opened!”
After he looked up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”) Mark 7:34
A man was brought to Jesus who was deaf and had a speech impediment. They were hoping Jesus would help. Mark records: (Jesus) put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34 After he looked up to heaven, he sighed and said, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”)
Even though Jesus told the people not to tell anyone, they were amazed beyond measure and said, “He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!”
Yes, like all of Jesus’ miracles, they were part of the evidence that proved that Jesus had the authority to proclaim the good news that he came to bring full and free forgiveness of sins in him. So, does this miracle benefit me? Yes. It assures us that Jesus is who he says he is.
But there is another way that this miracle benefits us. It reminds us of the miracle that Jesus did for each one of us. Even if you are currently hearing impaired, Jesus has performed a wonderful miracle in giving our spiritual ears the ability to hear the most important news of all.
By nature, we are dead, dead in trespasses and sins. Dead ears don’t hear. But Jesus said, “Ephphatha! Be opened!” Jesus performed that wonderful miracle.
The command not to tell no longer applies. Jesus has given us that standing order to go and tell. Tell of the great miracle that Jesus has accomplished not only for us, but for all. As we share the good news, may the Holy Spirit bless the word so that we see many ears “Ephphatha! Be opened!”
Lord Jesus, thank you for opening my ears to hear and enable my mouth to proclaim the full and complete victory over sin and death that you for me and all creation. Amen.