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Mark 7

37 verses

TL;DR

Jesus confronts Pharisaic legalism and teaches that true purity comes from the heart, while He heals a Syrophenician woman’s daughter and a deaf mute man.

Summary

Mark 7 opens with Pharisees and scribes criticizing Jesus’ disciples for eating with unwashed hands, accusing them of violating Jewish traditions. Jesus rebukes them, citing Isaiah and the law of Moses, and condemns their emphasis on human traditions over divine commandments. He then declares that nothing can defile a person from outside; instead, evil thoughts and actions emanate from within, listing various sinful behaviors. The narrative shifts to a Syrophenician woman who, after being rebuffed, demonstrates faith and has her daughter healed. Finally, Jesus heals a deaf mute man near the sea of Galilee, commands secrecy, yet his miracles spread, leaving the crowd amazed at his power over both the deaf and the mute.

Outline
  1. Pharisaic criticism and Jesus’ rebuke of ritualism
  2. Teachings on inner purity and the nature of defilement
  3. Syrophenician woman’s faith and healing of her daughter
  4. Healing of a deaf mute man and the mystery of secrecy
Themes
Legalism versus genuine faithInner heart vs external ritualsFaith, humility, and the reach of divine power
Keywords
PhariseesScribestradition of the eldersunwashed handsdefilementinner heartSyrophenician womanEphphathacorbanfaithhealingJesusMoses
People
JesusPhariseesScribesDisciplesMosesSyrophenician womanHer daughter
Places
JerusalemTyreSidonGalileeDecapolissea of Galilee
Things
unwashed handswashing of cups, pots, brass vessels, tablestradition of the eldersEphphathacorbanun­clean spiritchildren’s breaddogs (metaphor)
Key Verses
  • Mark 7:5: Marks the moment of Pharisaic complaint and sets the legalistic conflict
  • Mark 7:15: Jesus’ core teaching that inner heart matters more than outward ritual
  • Mark 7:26: Illustrates faith overcoming cultural boundaries and a demonstration of Jesus’ compassion
  • Mark 7:34: Showcases Jesus’ healing power and the use of the Hebrew word ‘Ephphatha’
  • Mark 7:36: Reveals Jesus’ concern for discretion and the unexpected spread of his reputation
Questions
  • What does Jesus mean by saying nothing can defile a person from outside?
  • How does the narrative critique the practice of human traditions over divine law?
  • In what ways does the Syrophenician woman’s response reflect Jewish‑Gentile interaction?
  • Why might Jesus have instructed his followers to keep the healing of the deaf mute secret?
  • How does the account of the healing of the deaf mute reinforce Jesus’ authority over both physical and symbolic barriers?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains harsh criticism of Pharisaic legalism and praise for Jesus’ compassion and healing, creating a balanced emotional tone.