Monday: The God Who Reaches the Unreachable
Reading
Mark 7:31-37
31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 7:31–37.
Similar Passage
Luke 5:12-13 — Jesus touches and heals a man with leprosy.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper 12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Lk 5:12–13.
Additional Verse
Psalm 34:18 — “18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 34:18.
What Does The Bible Say?
In Mark 7, a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus. Jesus does not heal him publicly as a spectacle. Instead, He takes him aside privately, touches his ears and tongue, looks to heaven, sighs, and says, “Be opened.” Immediately, the man is healed. His ears are opened, his tongue is released, and he speaks plainly.
Devotional
Jesus did not deal with this man in a cold or impersonal way. He did not treat him like a problem to be solved or a miracle to be displayed. Jesus ministered to him personally and compassionately.
This reminds us that Jesus can reach places in our lives that feel unreachable. He can touch broken communication, wounded relationships, hidden grief, shame, fear, addiction, and spiritual numbness. There is no part of your life too damaged for His power or too personal for His compassion.
Sometimes we assume God only works in public, dramatic ways. But often, Jesus does His deepest work privately, tenderly, and personally.
Illustration
A hardware store has aisles for fixing broken faucets, doors, pipes, and lights. But there is no aisle for a broken heart, a broken marriage, or broken trust. Those repairs require more than tools. They require grace, patience, forgiveness, and the restoring power of Jesus.
How To Obey
What Do We Learn About Jesus?
Jesus is personal, compassionate, and powerful. He does not merely see crowds; He sees individuals. He knows how to minister to each person in the way they need.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Jesus can reach what feels unreachable and restore what seems beyond repair.
Mark 7:31-37
31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. 33 And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 7:31–37.
Similar Passage
Luke 5:12-13 — Jesus touches and heals a man with leprosy.
Jesus Cleanses a Leper 12 While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 13 And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Lk 5:12–13.
Additional Verse
Psalm 34:18 — “18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ps 34:18.
What Does The Bible Say?
In Mark 7, a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus. Jesus does not heal him publicly as a spectacle. Instead, He takes him aside privately, touches his ears and tongue, looks to heaven, sighs, and says, “Be opened.” Immediately, the man is healed. His ears are opened, his tongue is released, and he speaks plainly.
Devotional
Jesus did not deal with this man in a cold or impersonal way. He did not treat him like a problem to be solved or a miracle to be displayed. Jesus ministered to him personally and compassionately.
This reminds us that Jesus can reach places in our lives that feel unreachable. He can touch broken communication, wounded relationships, hidden grief, shame, fear, addiction, and spiritual numbness. There is no part of your life too damaged for His power or too personal for His compassion.
Sometimes we assume God only works in public, dramatic ways. But often, Jesus does His deepest work privately, tenderly, and personally.
Illustration
A hardware store has aisles for fixing broken faucets, doors, pipes, and lights. But there is no aisle for a broken heart, a broken marriage, or broken trust. Those repairs require more than tools. They require grace, patience, forgiveness, and the restoring power of Jesus.
How To Obey
- Bring one specific broken area of your life to Jesus in prayer today.
- Stop assuming something is “too far gone” for God.
- Ask Jesus to open what has become closed in your heart.
What Do We Learn About Jesus?
Jesus is personal, compassionate, and powerful. He does not merely see crowds; He sees individuals. He knows how to minister to each person in the way they need.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Jesus can reach what feels unreachable and restore what seems beyond repair.
Tuesday: Compassionate People Bring Hurting People
Reading
Mark 2:1-12
Jesus Heals a Paralytic 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:1–12.
Similar Passage
John 1:40-42
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Jn 1:39–41.
Additional Verse
Galatians 6:2
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 6:2.
What Does The Bible Say?
In Mark 2, four men bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When they cannot get through the crowd, they tear open the roof and lower him down. They cannot heal him themselves, but they know who can. Jesus sees their faith, forgives the man’s sins, and heals his body.
Devotional
The sermon reminded us that compassionate people bring hurting people to Jesus. The people in Mark 7 brought the deaf man to Christ. The friends in Mark 2 brought the paralyzed man to Christ. In both cases, the hurting person needed others to help carry them.
You may not be able to fix someone’s marriage, heal their depression, cure their illness, or answer every spiritual question they have. But you can bring them to Jesus. You can pray. You can encourage. You can invite. You can sit with them. You can remind them they are not alone.
God has not called every Christian to be a professional counselor, theologian, or preacher. But He has called every Christian to be a witness.
Illustration
If someone you loved had a serious heart condition, you would not say, “Well, I’m not a heart surgeon, so there’s nothing I can do.” You would take them to someone who could help. In the same way, we may not be able to heal people’s deepest hurts, but we can bring them to Jesus.
How To Obey
What Do We Learn About God?
God often uses people as instruments of compassion. He allows us to participate in His work by helping carry others to Him.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
You do not have to have all the answers to help someone. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is bring them one step closer to Jesus.
Mark 2:1-12
Jesus Heals a Paralytic 2 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mk 2:1–12.
Similar Passage
John 1:40-42
40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Jn 1:39–41.
Additional Verse
Galatians 6:2
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ga 6:2.
What Does The Bible Say?
In Mark 2, four men bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When they cannot get through the crowd, they tear open the roof and lower him down. They cannot heal him themselves, but they know who can. Jesus sees their faith, forgives the man’s sins, and heals his body.
Devotional
The sermon reminded us that compassionate people bring hurting people to Jesus. The people in Mark 7 brought the deaf man to Christ. The friends in Mark 2 brought the paralyzed man to Christ. In both cases, the hurting person needed others to help carry them.
You may not be able to fix someone’s marriage, heal their depression, cure their illness, or answer every spiritual question they have. But you can bring them to Jesus. You can pray. You can encourage. You can invite. You can sit with them. You can remind them they are not alone.
God has not called every Christian to be a professional counselor, theologian, or preacher. But He has called every Christian to be a witness.
Illustration
If someone you loved had a serious heart condition, you would not say, “Well, I’m not a heart surgeon, so there’s nothing I can do.” You would take them to someone who could help. In the same way, we may not be able to heal people’s deepest hurts, but we can bring them to Jesus.
How To Obey
- Think of one person who is hurting right now.
- Pray for them by name today.
- Reach out with a text, call, or visit.
- If appropriate, invite them to church, Bible study, or prayer.
What Do We Learn About God?
God often uses people as instruments of compassion. He allows us to participate in His work by helping carry others to Him.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
You do not have to have all the answers to help someone. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is bring them one step closer to Jesus.
Wednesday: When Jesus Sighs
Reading
John 11:17-44
I Am the Resurrection and the Life 17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” Jesus Weeps 28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” Jesus Raises Lazarus 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Jn 11:17–44.
Similar Passage
Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus the Great High Priest 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Heb 4:14–16.
Additional Verse
Isaiah 53:3
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Is 53:3.
What Does The Bible Say?
In John 11, Jesus comes to the tomb of Lazarus. He knows He is about to raise Lazarus from the dead, yet He still weeps. In Mark 7, before healing the deaf man, Jesus sighs. These moments show the heart of Christ. He is not unmoved by suffering.
Devotional
Jesus sighed before healing the deaf man. He wept before raising Lazarus. Why would Jesus grieve when He knew He was about to perform a miracle?
Because Jesus saw what sin had done to His creation.
Sickness, death, disability, grief, and suffering were not part of God’s original design. God created a world without pain, disease, or death. But sin broke what God made good. Jesus’ sigh reveals His compassion. His tears reveal His heart.
When you suffer, God is not distant. He is not cold. He is not annoyed by your pain. Jesus enters into human sorrow. He grieves with those who grieve, and He has the authority to bring restoration.
Illustration
A pastor walking into a hospital room after a devastating diagnosis may not have perfect words to say. Sometimes all he can do is stand beside the bed, sigh, weep, and pray. That sigh says, “I am so sorry. I hurt with you.” Jesus’ sigh shows us that God is not indifferent to our pain.
How To Obey
What Do We Learn About Jesus?
Jesus is not only powerful; He is tender. He is moved by human suffering. He sees what sin has broken, and He came to make all things new.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Your pain matters to Jesus. He sees it, He grieves it, and He has the power to redeem it.
John 11:17-44
I Am the Resurrection and the Life 17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” Jesus Weeps 28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” Jesus Raises Lazarus 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Jn 11:17–44.
Similar Passage
Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus the Great High Priest 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Heb 4:14–16.
Additional Verse
Isaiah 53:3
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Is 53:3.
What Does The Bible Say?
In John 11, Jesus comes to the tomb of Lazarus. He knows He is about to raise Lazarus from the dead, yet He still weeps. In Mark 7, before healing the deaf man, Jesus sighs. These moments show the heart of Christ. He is not unmoved by suffering.
Devotional
Jesus sighed before healing the deaf man. He wept before raising Lazarus. Why would Jesus grieve when He knew He was about to perform a miracle?
Because Jesus saw what sin had done to His creation.
Sickness, death, disability, grief, and suffering were not part of God’s original design. God created a world without pain, disease, or death. But sin broke what God made good. Jesus’ sigh reveals His compassion. His tears reveal His heart.
When you suffer, God is not distant. He is not cold. He is not annoyed by your pain. Jesus enters into human sorrow. He grieves with those who grieve, and He has the authority to bring restoration.
Illustration
A pastor walking into a hospital room after a devastating diagnosis may not have perfect words to say. Sometimes all he can do is stand beside the bed, sigh, weep, and pray. That sigh says, “I am so sorry. I hurt with you.” Jesus’ sigh shows us that God is not indifferent to our pain.
How To Obey
- Be honest with God about your grief or disappointment.
- Do not mistake God’s silence for absence.
- Sit quietly before the Lord for five minutes and remember that He is with you.
- Comfort someone else with the compassion Christ has shown you.
What Do We Learn About Jesus?
Jesus is not only powerful; He is tender. He is moved by human suffering. He sees what sin has broken, and He came to make all things new.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Your pain matters to Jesus. He sees it, He grieves it, and He has the power to redeem it.
Thursday: The Authority That Restores
Reading
Isaiah 35:1-10
The Ransomed Shall Return 35 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Is 35:1–10.
Similar Passage
Matthew 11:2-6
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mt 11:1–6.
Additional Verse
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Col 1:16–17.
What Does The Bible Say?
Isaiah 35 prophesies that when God’s salvation comes, “the ears of the deaf” will be unstopped and “the tongue of the mute” will sing for joy. In Mark 7, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by making a deaf man hear and speak plainly.
Devotional
The miracle in Mark 7 was not random. It was a signpost. Hundreds of years before Jesus came, Isaiah said the Messiah would make the deaf hear and the mute speak. When Jesus healed this man, He was showing who He truly is.
Jesus has authority because He is God in the flesh. When He speaks, creation listens. When He says, “Be opened,” ears open. When He commands the storm, it stops. When He calls Lazarus from the grave, death has to release him.
The authority of Jesus is not merely power for display. It is power used to restore what sin has broken.
Illustration
A person sitting in a courtroom may think a case should be dismissed, but their opinion does not carry authority. When the judge says, “Case dismissed,” it is settled. In the same way, when Jesus speaks, His word carries divine authority. Creation obeys its Creator.
How To Obey
What Do We Learn About Jesus?
Jesus is the promised Messiah. His miracles reveal His divine identity. He is not merely a teacher or healer; He is Lord over creation.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Jesus has the authority to restore what sin has broken, and His power is always joined with compassion.
Isaiah 35:1-10
The Ransomed Shall Return 35 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. 3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8 And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Is 35:1–10.
Similar Passage
Matthew 11:2-6
2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Mt 11:1–6.
Additional Verse
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Col 1:16–17.
What Does The Bible Say?
Isaiah 35 prophesies that when God’s salvation comes, “the ears of the deaf” will be unstopped and “the tongue of the mute” will sing for joy. In Mark 7, Jesus fulfills this prophecy by making a deaf man hear and speak plainly.
Devotional
The miracle in Mark 7 was not random. It was a signpost. Hundreds of years before Jesus came, Isaiah said the Messiah would make the deaf hear and the mute speak. When Jesus healed this man, He was showing who He truly is.
Jesus has authority because He is God in the flesh. When He speaks, creation listens. When He says, “Be opened,” ears open. When He commands the storm, it stops. When He calls Lazarus from the grave, death has to release him.
The authority of Jesus is not merely power for display. It is power used to restore what sin has broken.
Illustration
A person sitting in a courtroom may think a case should be dismissed, but their opinion does not carry authority. When the judge says, “Case dismissed,” it is settled. In the same way, when Jesus speaks, His word carries divine authority. Creation obeys its Creator.
How To Obey
- Trust the authority of Jesus over your circumstances.
- Read Isaiah 35 slowly and underline one promise that encourages you.
- Submit one area of resistance to Christ’s lordship.
- Speak God’s promises over your fears.
What Do We Learn About Jesus?
Jesus is the promised Messiah. His miracles reveal His divine identity. He is not merely a teacher or healer; He is Lord over creation.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Jesus has the authority to restore what sin has broken, and His power is always joined with compassion.
Friday: He Has Done All Things Well
Reading
Romans 8:28-39
what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. God’s Everlasting Love 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ro 8:27–39.
Similar Passage
Genesis 50:20
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 50:20.
Additional Verse
Philippians 1:6
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Php 1:6.
What Does The Bible Say?
After Jesus heals the deaf man, the crowd is astonished and says, “He has done all things well.” Romans 8 reminds believers that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Devotional
“He has done all things well” is one of the most beautiful statements about Jesus in the Gospels. Not some things. Not most things. All things.
That does not mean every circumstance in life feels good. Some seasons are painful, confusing, and heavy. But Romans 8 assures us that God is at work even in suffering. Nothing is wasted in His hands.
A broken relationship, a difficult diagnosis, a long wait, a painful past, or a season of uncertainty is not beyond God’s redeeming power. Jesus does not always work according to our timing, but He always works with wisdom, love, and purpose.
Sometimes He heals immediately. Sometimes He heals through doctors, counseling, time, and community. Sometimes He heals finally and fully in heaven. But for the believer, healing is always coming.
Illustration
A person looking at the back of a tapestry may only see knots, loose threads, and tangled colors. But the artist sees the full design on the other side. Our lives can feel like the messy backside of the tapestry, but God is weaving something beautiful that we cannot yet fully see.
How To Obey
What Do We Learn About God?
God is faithful, wise, and redemptive. He is able to work through both joy and pain for His glory and our ultimate good.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Even when life feels unfinished or broken, Jesus still does all things well. Trust Him with what you cannot yet understand.
Romans 8:28-39
what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. God’s Everlasting Love 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ro 8:27–39.
Similar Passage
Genesis 50:20
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Ge 50:20.
Additional Verse
Philippians 1:6
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Php 1:6.
What Does The Bible Say?
After Jesus heals the deaf man, the crowd is astonished and says, “He has done all things well.” Romans 8 reminds believers that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Devotional
“He has done all things well” is one of the most beautiful statements about Jesus in the Gospels. Not some things. Not most things. All things.
That does not mean every circumstance in life feels good. Some seasons are painful, confusing, and heavy. But Romans 8 assures us that God is at work even in suffering. Nothing is wasted in His hands.
A broken relationship, a difficult diagnosis, a long wait, a painful past, or a season of uncertainty is not beyond God’s redeeming power. Jesus does not always work according to our timing, but He always works with wisdom, love, and purpose.
Sometimes He heals immediately. Sometimes He heals through doctors, counseling, time, and community. Sometimes He heals finally and fully in heaven. But for the believer, healing is always coming.
Illustration
A person looking at the back of a tapestry may only see knots, loose threads, and tangled colors. But the artist sees the full design on the other side. Our lives can feel like the messy backside of the tapestry, but God is weaving something beautiful that we cannot yet fully see.
How To Obey
- End today by writing down one thing God has done well in your life.
- Choose to trust God with one situation that feels unresolved.
- Thank Him before you see the full answer.
- Look for small evidences of His faithfulness.
What Do We Learn About God?
God is faithful, wise, and redemptive. He is able to work through both joy and pain for His glory and our ultimate good.
What Should Be Your Take Away?
Even when life feels unfinished or broken, Jesus still does all things well. Trust Him with what you cannot yet understand.