Mark 7:31-37 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

"Ephphatha."

A rest, then a fresh journey ("again"). How long the interval we cannot determine. To free him from embarrassment, perhaps danger, and allow time for spiritual meditation. "Tyre and Sidon." The best manuscripts have " through Sidon," which was north of Tyre. "Decapolis:" ten cities, east and southeast of Sea of Galilee; named by the Romans b.c. 65. A favourite scene of our Lord's labours (cf. Matthew 4:25 ). In Matthew 15:29-31 a multitude of cases is mentioned. Here one is singled out as an illustration.

I. THE CASE . Familiar and ordinary; comparatively helpless; difficult to educate, mentally and spiritually.

II. THE CURE .

1 . The manner of the great Physician. "They beseech him to lay his hand upon him " —a grand expression.

2 . The means employed.

III. THAT WHICH IS SYMBOLIZED . The shut heart of the world, dead to spiritual things. Which is worse? Only the compassion of Christ can save us.—M.