Becoming a Stronger Disciple

(Mark 7:31-37) Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. There some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Him to place His hand on the man. After He took Him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more He did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

THINGS A DISCIPLE TELLS

Jesus is the Lord that everyone we know needs – and wants.

1. Jesus is a CONVERTING Lord

A. Jesus converts damaged individuals into restored individuals.

1) Prodded by friends.

2) Personal encounter with Jesus

(7:33) After He took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue.

3) Profound change in behavior

4) Public display of results

(7:37) People were overwhelmed with amazement.

B. Jesus converts doomed individuals into redeemed individuals.

(Revelation 21:5) “Behold, I make all things new.”

1) Prodded by friends

2) Personal encounter with Jesus

3) Profound change in behavior

4) Public display of results

2. Jesus is a COMPREHENSIVE Lord

(7:37) “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

A. He helps me when I hurt.

(Psalm 40:17) “I am poor and needy; You are my help and my deliverer.”

(Psalm 28:7) “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.”

B. He guides me when I’m lost.

(Isaiah 30:21) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

C. He quiets me when I’m afraid.

(Isaiah 41:10) “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

D. He calms me when I’m stressed.

(Matthew 11:28-30) “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

E. He comes for me when I die.

(John 14:2-3) “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me.”

3. Jesus is a CONTAGIOUS Lord

(3:36) “Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more He did so, the more they kept talking about it.”

A. If I’m infected with Jesus, I’ll infect others with Jesus.