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.”
Jesus gives healing to a man who has been unable to speak clearly. This man has suffered because his ears are closed. And when you can not hear properly, your ability to speak is hampered. Jesus heals this man so that he can speak plainly. But then immediately gives the order not to speak.
Christians around the world it seems often times take this strategy to heart. Or maybe it is just mainly within the United States. Christians come to faith and are instructed. They finally have their ears opened and are given proper words to speak, but then they close their mouths.
Jesus' charge in the text is not obeyed. The people upon seeing the miracle before their own eyes, open their mouths wide. The make sure that it is known. One would hope that every Christian would open their mouths like these. You may not think you were deaf. You may not think yourself unable to speak.
But God has opened your ears to the truth. God has placed faith in his Son in your heart and mind. It is the Holy Spirit who has opened your ears, by means of God's word. It is Jesus Christ who has given you instruction, through the Word of God. These are the words you can not proclaim to others. You are Healed. You are Forgiven.
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