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.”

Devotion based on Mark 7:36,37

It sounds odd that Jesus instructed people not to spread news of the miracle he had just performed. It seems like the type of thing he would want people to know about. He had made a deaf and mute man hear and speak! Bring your sick, blind, deaf, and lame. Jesus can heal them. Like a doctor with a miracle cure, didn’t Jesus want to help all those people?

The people would have been perfectly happy with Jesus as their miracle worker, the one who could make their lives better right now. Jesus performed many miracles. They transformed the lives of the people he helped. But everyone Jesus healed had a much bigger problem, a sin problem. Those sins separated them from God.

The people wanted a miracle worker, but Jesus came to give them something much better. His work as the Messiah, the anointed and chosen one of God, was not to make life on earth paradise. Rather, he was preparing people for paradise by pardoning their sins.

His goal wasn’t to be popular; his goal was the cross. He planned to lay aside his power and submit to death, separation from God, the punishment all sinners deserve. Jesus did this so that all who believe in him as their Savior would be rescued from death and experience ultimate healing and restoration in eternity.

Maybe you’ve prayed to Jesus, asking for a miracle. And perhaps you haven’t gotten the answer you wanted. You wonder why he lets you suffer. But you don’t ever have to wonder about his love for you. Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die for your sins shows his love for you. And his suffering demonstrates that God brings incredible good from suffering.

Jesus healed many, but he didn’t heal all. However, Jesus did suffer for all, dying for the sins of the world so that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. Earthly suffering is temporary, but the peace, joy, and restoration Jesus promises is for eternity.

Prayer: