Mark 7:31-32
New International Version
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man 31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[a] 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him.
Monday - September 6
Ancient Biblical geography can be easy to overlook, but don’t! Tyre and Sidon were notorious “Gentile” regions. Gentiles were non-Jewish people and religious outsiders. Yet, here is Jesus, traveling through a Gentile region and healing Gentiles. Then Jesus travels to another Gentile region, the Decapolis, which was actually ten cities northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Gentiles there heard about Jesus and his healing power, so they brought a friend to him. Last week, the Pharisees, the ultimate Jewish “insiders” were mad at Jesus because his disciples were not being religious enough according to Jewish tradition. Jesus condemned them as hypocrites! Yet, in these Gentile regions he is healing and showing mercy to outsiders. The geography shows us that Jesus cares about “outsiders,” too! Everyone is welcome at the banquet of the Son (see Matt. 22:1-14). Especially you!