Twelfth Sunday after Trinity (1888)

Mark 7:31-37

Today's Gospel tells us the wonderful healing of the deaf-mute.
Many doctrines worthy of taking to heart are included in this story. We learn 1.
that Jesus is true God and can save us from all hardships and dangers of body and soul;
2. We have a picture of the spiritual misery of men in the deaf-mute; 3. We have a
picture of justification and sanctification in the manner that Christ deals with the deaf-
mute.
For today, we want our attention directed primarily to the companions of the
deaf mute and learn from them that a fervent desire for the welfare of our fellow men
should be in our hearts.

The companions of the deaf mute: an example for us to follow;

1. in which they can serve for us as an example to follow,
a. they let themselves grieve deeply at the physical distress of the deaf-mute - so
we also should let ourselves lament the physical (deaf-mute institution) and especially
the spiritual need of so many men;
b. they would not let the matter rest with their pitying, but brought the poor
man to Christ - so also we should lead men to Christ . ourselves, through persuasion
etc., . through others, through equipping of missionaries and traveling preachers etc.;
c. they not only brought him to Christ, but they begged Him, that He lay His
hand on him - so we also should have on our hearts the physical and, above all, the
spiritual needs of our fellow men and present them to God in prayer, should ask and
plead publicly for the extension of the kingdom of God;

2. why it would be necessary to follow this example;
a. although it is hypocrisy, if someone wants to provide for the salvation of
others and does not provide for his own soul,
b. but nevertheless it is quite necessary that we, after we ourselves have become
a believer, seek to bring back others; from this we see: . Christian love compels it,
which comes from faith, . Christ lets Himself delight in what the companions of the
deaf-mute do, He does not point this out by Himself, but kindly assumes it and does
according to their request.
Chr. K.