Healing the deaf mute of Decapolis

Bartholomeus Breenbergh 003

Healing the deaf mute of Decapolis is one of the miracles attributed to Jesus as recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark 7:31-37. This event is notable for its demonstration of Jesus' compassion and power, and it holds significant theological implications within Christianity. The miracle is set in the region of Decapolis, a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in what is now Jordan, Syria, and Israel.

Biblical Account

According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of Decapolis. There, some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. Taking the man aside from the crowd privately, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha!" which means "Be opened!" Immediately 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, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Interpretation and Theology

The healing of the deaf mute in Decapolis is rich in symbolic and theological significance. The act of opening the ears and loosening the tongue of the man can be interpreted as not only a physical healing but also a spiritual awakening. In biblical symbolism, the ability to hear is often associated with the ability to receive the word of God, and the ability to speak is related to the ability to proclaim it. Thus, this miracle is seen as an illustration of Jesus' mission to open the way for all people, Jew and Gentile alike, to hear the gospel and proclaim it to others.

The use of the Aramaic word "Ephphatha" by Mark highlights the personal and intimate nature of Jesus' healing ministry. It also serves as a direct command from Jesus for transformation, not just for the individual healed but for all who hear the story.

Cultural and Historical Context

The location of the miracle, Decapolis, is significant as it was a predominantly Gentile area. This emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus' ministry and the inclusivity of his message. The healing of the deaf mute man in a Gentile region foreshadows the spreading of the Christian gospel beyond the Jewish community to the Gentile world.

Legacy

The healing of the deaf mute of Decapolis has been a source of inspiration for Christians throughout the ages. It is often cited in discussions about faith, healing, and the power of Jesus. The story is also a reminder of the importance of spiritual openness and the need to listen and proclaim the gospel.

The event is commemorated in various Christian traditions, with some churches using the term "Ephphatha" in their baptismal rites, symbolizing the opening of ears and mouth to receive and proclaim the faith.

See Also

• Miracles of Jesus
• Gospel of Mark
• Christianity
• Decapolis