An Unexpected, But Powerful Kingdom (Mark 7:24-37)

In last week's passage, we saw Jesus teach some unexpected truths about holiness, cleanliness, and the Law. In today's passage, Jesus puts action to those words, and enters the home of Gentiles, healing those in need, as a response to their faith and their humility. The Kingdom of God is breaking in as Jesus fulfills God's promises and shows God's power, a foretaste of what is to come!

  • Jesus’ Ministry is Unexpectedly Expanding (24-25)

    • Tyre is a 50 mile trip, and well out of the way of Jesus’ ministry “to the lost sheep of Israel”

    • Not only does Jesus go to the Gentiles, he enters their home, which was taboo in Jewish culture

    • Jesus’ early ministry to the Gentiles was kept quiet, but He knew it wouldn’t last

    • Jesus was proving his teaching from v. 17-23

  • Jesus Sought Faith and Humility (26-30)

    • This Gentile woman shows faith in her pursuit of Jesus

    • She shows humility in her response to Jesus’ hard words

    • Jesus shows his power and expansive kingdom

  • Jesus is Fulfilling God’s Promises of a Coming Kingdom (31-37)

    • The deaf man was dependent on intercessors

    • This deaf and mute man is a picture of Isaiah 35:5-6

    • Jesus is inaugurating the Kingdom of God!

    • Jesus heals this man in a physical way so he could experience the Kingdom

  • Application

    • Those around us need intercessors like the mother and the friends!

    • Our response to the Kingdom must be faith and humility.

      • We won’t always understand what God is asking us, but we must trust Him.

      • We won’t always like what God tells us, but we must humble ourselves.

    • We must live like Jesus’ Kingdom can impact a lost and dying world.

      • Jesus brought with Him a powerful, impactful Kingdom that began to fulfill the promises of God.

      • He has now tasked us with doing the same (Matthew 28:18-20). 

      • Is every area of your life, as much as you can, beginning to look a little more like the Kingdom because you are in it?