Defilement (1–23). Unless we are very careful, religious rituals can create serious problems. They may be given as much authority as God’s Word (v. 7) and even replace God’s Word (v. 9). They may give a false confidence that what you do on the outside will somehow change the inside. But the heart must be changed, and external rituals cannot do that. The heart can be purified only by faith (Acts 15:9).
Distance (24–30). Jesus healed both the centurion’s servant (Matt. 8:1–13) and this woman’s demonized daughter from a distance. Both were Gentiles, and the Gentiles were “at a distance” spiritually; but Jesus would erase that distance at the cross (Eph. 2:11–22). As you pray for those far from you, or far from the Lord, remember that He can send His Word and do mighty works (Ps. 107:20).
Deliverance (31–37). The miracles of healing this deaf man and healing a blind man (8:22–26) are recorded only by Mark. Both were in gentile territory, which would interest his Roman readers; both were performed away from the crowd; and both were performed despite difficulty. The Servant can work at a distance or when we bring people to Him, and He does not fail.
