Jesus took the man aside, away from his friends and the people gathered there. Why? Did Jesus want time to talk to the man alone, to pray with him and for him, to give the man his full attention so that he could heal him from his impediments? Or, was Jesus trying to escape the critical eyes of those who were waiting to scorn him and to accuse him of ill deeds? Whatever the reason, what an opportunity to be alone with Jesus! How wonderful to be able to spend time with him, to have his full
and undivided attention, to have his healing hands touch you. If you had this opportunity, what would you say or ask him?
The physical healing, the fingers in the ears and the spittle on the tongue, could very easily have just been verbal healing. Jesus just needed to say the word and it would be done. So what was the symbolism here? At this time in history, the use of saliva or spittle was a well-known remedy. There are other references to using saliva and laying on of hands by Jesus in the New Testament. The ability of Jesus to heal with his hands and saliva is indicative of his divine nature and that faith
heals.
We do not have the luxury of experiencing the physical healing of Jesus as this man did, but we do have our faith. The healing in this story seems to indicate that, with faith, Jesus’ healing is available to us. Often Jesus heals us - perhaps not in the way we wanted or asked for. Maybe you notice that in your own life.
Do you believe that Jesus can heal your impediments, without touch or medication, if you ask him? Is your ultimate trust and faith in God to guide you along your journey, to walk beside you and encourage you?
