Mark 7:32   There are those who might try to point out an error here. To say that one was deaf and had difficulty speaking seems to show an ignorance of the condition of the deaf. Though to be sure this condition was not as fully understood then as it is in modern times, this wording…

Mark 7:31   Many have pointed out with great effect that Jesus never strayed far from his own hometown. Given the influence he has had upon the world, this only serves as yet another illustration of his deity. He did not need Air Force One to make a worldwide difference, but only the hearts of his…

Mark 7:30We don’t really know much about this woman’s daughter or her. But, either the girl was still young, or she had been disabled due to her possession. Otherwise, she would likely have been married, not still under her mother’s care. In either case, her mother returns to find her resting. Evidently the ordeal had…

Mark 7:29   Because this that she had said revealed her faith, her daughter was delivered. Often as we read this story we focus very much on this woman’s faith. And that’s good, because it is indeed a remarkable story, and helps us understand that faith is important. But, I’ve also noticed another very interesting thing here,…

Mark 7:28This has got to be one of the best comebacks of history! This woman understood what many so miss today. It’s not about us, it’s about him. She is recognizing the fact that, dog our child, all must be fed by the Master of the house. She does not question his identification of her,…

Mark 7:27The children referred to here are the Jewish nation. Jesus would not do a miracle for this woman just because he was able. He was able to heal anyone at any time. But faith was required. He wasn’t going to just pass out miracles. Psalm 38:1-43:5 James 4:12 There is one lawgiver, who is…

Mark 7:26This woman would be much like the Gentiles helped by the prophets in the Old Testament, like Naaman the Syrian and others. Psalm 35:1-37:40 James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but…

Mark 7:25This woman did some traveling to get to Jesus. She had come for a specific purpose and was not ready to go back empty handed. The genuine nature of her faith was about to become clear. Psalm 31:1-34:22 James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.…

Mark 7:24   Jesus’ motives are often difficult for us to accept. He had nothing against Gentiles. He ministered to the Gentiles on many occasions. But, the fact is that he had come to the Jews. He wanted his target audience to be clear. This was not a slight to the Gentiles because it was the Jew’s…

Mark 7:23   Jesus paints a very interesting picture here. We often say that there is something wrong with this world. But, we must remember that we should be talking about people. We are the source of evil in this world. We are the ones that need to be fixed. Sin, evil, wickedness is in the…