Jesus’ Command to Keep Silent

Sermon: Learning from the Gospel of Mark (29) – “Jesus’ Command to Keep Silent”

Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Kitami Chapel Sunday Worship
Scripture: Mark 7:31-37
Preacher: Pastor Seiji Yamada

Introduction

Last time, we discussed Jesus’ journey to the region of Tyre, northwest of the Sea of Galilee. Today, we’ll focus on Jesus’ return to the Galilee area and His healing of a deaf and mute man. We’ll explore three main points:

The journey
The command to keep silent
The miracle of healing and salvation

I. The Journey

A. Unusual Route

Jesus traveled from Tyre to Sidon, then through the Decapolis region back to the Sea of Galilee. This circuitous route, covering about a week’s journey on foot, is puzzling.

B. Mysterious Silence

Interestingly, the Gospel provides no details about Jesus’ activities in Sidon or His conversations with the disciples during this journey.

C. The Aramaic Word “Ephphatha”

The use of the Aramaic word “Ephphatha” (meaning “Be opened”) suggests that the disciples, particularly Peter, were present and deeply impacted by this event.

II. The Command to Keep Silent

A. Fulfillment of Isaiah’s Prophecy

The healing of the deaf and mute man, along with the upcoming healing of a blind man in chapter 8, fulfills Isaiah’s prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 29:18, 35:5-6, 42:7).

B. The Messianic Secret

Jesus’ command to keep silent about the healing is particularly striking in this instance, as it immediately follows the man regaining his ability to speak clearly.

III. The Miracle of Healing and Salvation

A. Miracles as Proof of Messiahship

Jesus’ healings demonstrate the nearness of God’s kingdom and serve as evidence of His Messianic identity.

B. Tension Between Miracles and Mission

Paradoxically, the widespread knowledge of Jesus’ healing power could hinder His ultimate mission.

C. The Core of Jesus’ Messianic Mission

The central purpose of Jesus’ mission was not physical healing, but salvation through His death on the cross and resurrection.

D. The Path of the Messiah

Jesus walked a difficult path, misunderstood by all, towards the cross. This seemingly inefficient journey was, in God’s eyes, the perfect way.

Conclusion

We are challenged to seek not just superficial healing or change, but the profound salvation offered through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Let us strive to understand the depth of Jesus’ love and the value of the salvation He provides.