Look and Listen

Morning: Numbers 21-22
Evening: Mark 7:14-37

In Numbers 21, we see the Israelites grumbling against God and facing the consequence of fiery serpents. Yet, in His mercy, God provides a remedy—a bronze serpent lifted up, which brought healing to those who looked upon it in faith. Fast forward to Mark 7, where Jesus teaches that it is not what enters a person that defiles them, but what comes from within. Later, He heals a deaf man, restoring both his hearing and his speech.

These passages reveal a common theme: faith requires both looking and listening. The Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed. The deaf man had to listen—both physically and spiritually—to receive Jesus’ miracle. Today, we are called to fix our eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2) and open our hearts to His Word. True transformation happens when we trust Him fully, allowing Him to heal not just our circumstances but our very souls.

Key Insights

1. God’s Mercy is Greater Than Our Failures – Even when the Israelites rebelled, God provided a way of healing (Numbers 21:9). No matter how far we stray, His grace remains available.
2. Faith Requires Action – The Israelites had to look upon the bronze serpent, and the deaf man had to respond to Jesus’ touch. Faith is not passive—it requires us to step forward in trust.
3. True Defilement Comes from Within – Jesus teaches that sin is not just external but originates in the heart (Mark 7:21-23). We must seek inner purity, not just outward righteousness.
4. Jesus is Our Ultimate Healer – Just as looking at the bronze serpent brought healing, looking to Jesus brings salvation (John 3:14-15). He alone can restore what is broken.
5. God Opens Ears and Loosens Tongues – When Jesus healed the deaf man (Mark 7:34-35), it symbolized how He enables us to hear His truth and boldly proclaim His goodness.

Connection to Other Scripture

• John 3:14-15 – Jesus compares Himself to the bronze serpent, showing that salvation comes through faith in Him.
• Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” Just as the Israelites looked at the serpent, we must fix our eyes on Christ.
• Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” This echoes Jesus’ teaching that purity begins in the heart.

Questions to Reflect On

1. Are there areas in your life where you have been focusing on external actions rather than inner transformation?
2. How can you actively “look” to Jesus in times of struggle or uncertainty?
3. What are some ways you can guard your heart against the sin that defiles from within?
4. Have you truly listened to God’s voice in your life, or are distractions drowning Him out?
5. How can you use your words to glorify God, now that He has opened your ears to His truth?

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy, even when I fall short. Help me to fix my eyes on Jesus, trusting in Him for healing and salvation. Open my ears to hear Your truth and soften my heart to respond in obedience. Cleanse me from within, so that my life reflects Your holiness. May my words and actions bring glory to You, as I walk in faith and proclaim Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.