Gospel of Mark Bible Part 40: Jesus Has Done All Things Well [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Bible Study Title: He Has Done All Things Well
Scripture Focus: Mark 7:31–37
Introduction
We do not change ourselves. God does His work in those who submit to His Spirit, confess Jesus as Lord, repent, and believe the gospel. As we trust Christ, read His word, and yield our hearts, He transforms us. “And I will give them one heart and give within them a new spirit. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 11:19 “…and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Ephesians 4:23 “…and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and upon their hearts I will write them. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Hebrews 8:10So we pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 We fight with renewed minds, “destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and… taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 And we fix our meditation: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.” Philippians 4:8
Bible Reading Mark 7:31–37
Background
Geography and people. Jesus moves from Tyre through Sidon to the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, into the Decapolis, a cluster of Hellenistic cities with predominantly Gentile populations. This sets a stage of spiritual need and limited scriptural background, yet Jesus goes there in grace.
Recent context. Earlier, He mercifully granted a Gentile mother’s plea for her tormented daughter. Now He meets a man who cannot hear and hardly speak, a living picture of humanity’s spiritual condition apart from God.
Exposition: How Jesus Heals
Personal care. Jesus takes the man aside, away from the crowd. The Savior’s compassion is deliberate and personal. “Surely our sickness He Himself carried, And our pain He carried.” Isaiah 53:4
Meaningful signs. Fingers in the ears, a touch to the tongue, eyes lifted to heaven, a deep sigh. These embodied cues communicate to a man who cannot hear words. They point to where the power comes from and to whom it belongs.
The authoritative word. “Ephphatha… Be opened!” The command is simple, sovereign, and effective. Christ’s word creates what it commands. Instantly the ears open and the tongue is loosed.
The humble hush. Jesus commands silence, but astonishment overflows into proclamation. When grace touches a life, testimony spreads.
Key Doctrines and Insights
Human inability and divine initiative. The deaf-mute could not remedy himself. We cannot make ourselves hear God. Grace acts first.
Mediated compassion. Jesus meets people at their level of understanding, using tangible signs to lead them to trust. He condescends without compromising His glory.
Christ’s perfect competence. The crowd sums it rightly: “He has done all things well.” His wisdom in teaching, His power in healing, and His mercy in saving display a flawless Savior.
The danger of unbelief. Where hearts stay closed, fruit is meager. “And He could do no miracle there… And He was marveling at their unbelief.” Mark 6:5–6 God’s people must not restrict grace by hardened affections. Consider God’s questions to awaken faith: “Is anything too difficult for Yahweh?” Genesis 18:14 “Is Yahweh’s power limited?” Numbers 11:23 “Is My hand so short that it cannot redeem?” Isaiah 50:2
Investing Your Life in Christ
There are one hundred sixty-eight hours in a week. Even after sleep and work, many hours remain. If Christ receives almost none of them, why expect abundant transformation? He calls lukewarm hearts to repent. Read His gracious rebuke and invitation: Revelation 3:15–22. “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19
Discussion Questions
Where do you see your own deafness or silence before God today? What has kept you from hearing or speaking as you ought?
How does Jesus’ personal, hands-on approach shape your view of His heart toward sufferers?
What does the word “Ephphatha” teach you about the power of Christ’s command over your sin, habits, and fears?
In what ways have you restricted your affections, like the Corinthians, and how can you open them fully to Christ’s love and power?
Consider your week. What concrete changes will increase your investment in Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and service?
Reflection Prompts
Pray Psalm 51:10 slowly, asking God to do exactly what the verse says.
Write down three “closed places” in your life. Next to each, write “Ephphatha,” and beneath it a specific act of obedience you will take this week.
Meditate on Philippians 4:8 and list the thoughts you will allow and the thoughts you will refuse.
Application
Hearing opened. Schedule daily Scripture intake. Aim for unhurried listening, not mere checking. Begin with the Gospel of Mark.
Tongue loosed. Share a Christ-centered testimony with one person this week about what Jesus has done in your life. Keep it honest and clear.
Heart renewed. Choose one sin pattern to confess and forsake today. Ask a mature believer to pray with you and hold you accountable.
Life reordered. Reclaim two hours from entertainment this week and devote them to prayer, study, or serving someone in need.
Memory Verse
“They were being astonished beyond measure, saying, ‘He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.’” Mark 7:37
Closing Challenge
Ask the Lord to do for you spiritually what He did for this man physically. Pray, “Lord Jesus, say over my life, ‘Be opened.’ Open my ears to Your word, loosen my tongue to Your praise, and make my heart steadfast. I will turn from what numbs me and invest my hours in what renews me. Ephphatha, O Lord.”
Endnotes
Scripture quotations are from the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB).
On the Decapolis and Hellenistic setting, see The Oxford Classical Dictionary, 4th ed., s.v. “Hellenistic World.”
For observations on Jesus’ gestures as communicative signs, see William Hendriksen, Exposition of the Gospel According to Mark (Baker New Testament Commentary), and Robert H. Stein, Mark (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).
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