41-BlindDeafMute-A

And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus

Blind, Deaf, Speechless
OUT OF THE MIST MIGHTILY

Summer AD 29
Syria [1]

�� Keep Herod blindsided.� Keep on the run.� Keep ahead of the game.

�� Out of Phoenicia now.� Things remain dangerous for Jesus.� Keep moving until the hype of John's death dies down.� Maybe King Herod will grow bored with the whole thing.

�� Back on the road.� Rested enough.� Provisions to stop and eat when needed.� Throw the enemy off.� Head inland now across southern Syria to the headwaters of the Jordan River.�

�� It is dangerous.� They could get caught and arrested.� They travel in large caravans so they are not so conspicuous and easy to spot.� They pass soldiers on the road as always.� they were born into the system.� They will die in it.

�� James has a strange dream.� King Herod is also the high priest in his dream.� He stands in the heavens commanding the armies of God.� They head straight for Jesus' apostles.� They're not supposed to attack the apostles.� What is wrong?�

�� ....Then James spots them.� The disguises.� The soldiers are really demons.� It's really the army of Satan.� James runs and hides.� But why?�

�� ....He is not supposed to hide.� He is a coward.� James is a coward.� He hears a voice.� "James!� James!� James!"
Is it the voice of God come to punish him?� No, it is his brother John.�

�� "Time to get up.� The caravan is assembling."

�� As they travel, they pray.� "God, keep us safe.� Especially Jesus.� We would die for him if we had to." Some day they will.

�� One day.� Two days.� Three days.� Down through Abilene and the edge of Iturea.� Now into Gauolnitis, Philip's territory.� They feel safer there.� But always also on the outer edge of Herod's territory.

Hills of Decapolis [2]

�� At the last oasis they fill their water skins and buy some raisins and a fresh supply of bread.� They're going up into the hills awhile now to rest.� But as soon as they leave the caravan and anonymity, they are spotted.� People suddenly change their plans. [3]���

�� "Abishag!" he calls out as he rushes in the gate.� I'm home!� Pack some food for me!&"

�� "What are you talking about? You just got home."

�� "You know that Jesus who says he's going to start the new kingdom of God?"

�� "I've heard a little about him."

�� "Well, he's here!� I overheard him say where he is headed!� I'm going to follow him!"

�� "What in the world for?� He'll never conquer Tetrarch Philip.� Philip is too strong."

�� "I wouldn't be so sure.� He's getting more and more powerful.� Otherwise, why would King Herod, Philip's own brother, be trying to execute him?� Even the Temple officials are trying to get him assassinated.� They're all afraid of him, and for good reason. I want to know more about that new kingdom."

�� "When will you be home?"

�� "Don't know.� Don't look for me until you see me.� It just depends on how long he stays around."

�� "Half a day?� All night?� Give me some idea."

�� "Well, let's say I'll be back by tomorrow.� Thanks dear.� I knew you would understand.� Kiss the children for me.� Oh, and send this note over to Jannai.� Tell him where I'm headed.� He has been trying to check this strange man out too."

�� So the word spreads.

�� "Open up the shop.� I need some food to take along!� Open up!"

�� "What's going on?� Wait until tomorrow!"

�� "That Jesus is in this area.� I'm going to find him!� I need some food to take along."

�� "Kenan, I've got to cancel drinks with you tonight.� You know that Jesus?� He's here.� I'm following him.� You should go too."

�� "Sounds like a good idea.� Where did you say he was headed?"

�� Though the sun is setting, there is much activity out in the streets.� People telling their families, their neighbors, others on the street.� "Hey, did you know Jesus is outside of town?"�� Spreading the good news.� Spreading the story.� Spreading hope.��

�� The gate out of town is left open a little later than usual.� Although normally dangerous to travel at night because of the robbers who control the night-time hills, they travel in groups.� Large groups.� Mutually protective groups.

�� "Have you seen any of his so-called miracles?"

�� "No.� But I had a cousin who has.� She said there was no doubt what he did was miraculous.�"

�� "So you believe he really performs them?"

�� "Can't pass judgment until I see one for myself. Or see him fail."

�� People everywhere cancel feasts and business meetings and family reunions, rush to market to buy a couple days' food, and head out of town after Jesus.�

�� Wait for us, Jesus.� Don't go without us.� Don't go so fast.� We think we need you, Jesus.� We think we want you to take over and rule us.� We think we could admire you.� Wait for us, Jesus.

�� Lights wend their way down the highway and up into the hills.� Torch lights.� Trying to illuminate their way down the road of life.� Not doing a very good job of it.� It grows darker and blacker.� Go slowly.� Be careful.� Don't get lost.

�� But catch up with Jesus.� He has got a bigger light.� He is like the sun.� With him we wouldn't need our measly torch lights.� With him we could see better where we are going.� Where are we going, Jesus?� Where are you leading us?

�� Up in the hills they see stationary lights on each side of the road.� What is going on?� Roman troops?� Temple police?� A king's entourage?� Robbers?� Please, don't let anyone stop us.� Please make them let us through.

�� It is nothing to fear.� Jesus' twelve apostles are out lining the road with torches.� Directing the way.� The way to Jesus.� Pointing the way.� Should they be doing menial tasks like this?

�� "Walk in that direction, mister.� It's level ground.� You can put up a tent over there.� Just follow the lights."

�� They keep coming.� And coming.� Famished and hungry for Jesus.�

�� It is late.� They choose a spot, get out tents, and set them up.� Now what?� They walk around.�

�� "Seen Jesus?"

�� "Don't know what he looks like."

�� "I heard he's tall and has a commanding appearance."

�� "What is he wearing?" [4]

�� "Probably a royal scarlet robe.� But maybe he's wearing a blue, scarlet and purple priest robe.� I heard he wants to be both king and priest at the same time." [5]

�� "Do you think he'll do it? Have all the power?"

�� "Who knows?� That's why I'm here."

�� "Seen Jesus?"

�� But they do not find him.� It is too dark.� Nothing can be done in the dark.� Jesus does not operate in the dark.�

�� Go back to your tent.� Try to sleep.� Nothing is going to happen tonight.� It is too late.� Too dark.�

�� The sun is up.� So is the son.

�� As people make their ways between the tents and pack animals they realize how many there are.�

�� It's phenomenal!� All the tents!� The hundreds of tents!� Not hundreds!� Thousands!� There must be thousands of them!

�� "He's been spotted!� He's up on that ridge!"

�� "Where?� Which one?� I don't see anyone wearing a royal robe."

�� "Is he that big guy?"

�� "No, he's the one sitting.� Look up there.� In the brown robe.� He's just sitting.� Like he's waiting."

�� "Looks kind of thin to me.� Doesn't he ever eat?"

�� "That's going to be our next king?"

�� "Give the man a chance."

�� "Get everyone here!� Hurry, everyone!� So Jesus can begin!"

�� Gradually the crowds build up.� Then they quiet down.� They quiet like a wave of prairie grass in the wind.�

�� "Shhh...."

�� Finally Jesus stands.�

�� A hush.� Of daybreak.� Of dawning in a land of darkness.� But perhaps not darkness.� Perhaps of grandeur.� Perhaps they will approve of him.

�� Someone is rudely working his way through the crowd.� Who is that?� He's interrupting Jesus even before he begins.

�� "Hey, guy!� We got here first!� Sit in the back!� It's not our fault you got here too late for a good spot!"

�� The man keeps walking.� Like he doesn't even hear the rude remarks.

�� Someone jumps into the path of the man and attempts to force him back.� But Eliphaz stands and forms unintelligible words.� More like noises actually.�

�� "What's the matter?� Cat got your tongue?"�

�� Some of the people laugh.� Some don't.

�� Eliphaz points to his mouth.� He opens it and tries to raise his tongue.� He cannot.� Indeed, his tongue is what they called tied.� He is old.� His clothes aren't good either.� Probably never had much money.

�� Andrew detects what is going on and works his way over to the old man.

�� "Would you like Jesus to heal you this morning?"

�� Eliphaz pays no attention.� Andrew gets right in front of his eyes and repeats the question.� Eliphaz points to his ears.� He is deaf too.

�� Deaf.� Do you hear that?� He is deaf.� He cannot hear a thing.� Yet he hears everything.� He hears Jesus calling him.

�� Yes, Eliphaz is deaf, but he is not deaf.� Not in his spirit.� In his soul.� In his being.� Loud and clear.� As he draws closer to Jesus.� As Jesus patiently waits. [6]

�� He had not always been deaf.� He recognizes words.� But he cannot talk with his tongue the way it is.� And his ears cannot detect how effective his words are.

�� "What's going on?" someone in the crowd asks whoever happens to be around him.

�� "I don't know," a stranger replies.� "I heard he heals people."

�� "Heals them?"

�� "Man!� Would I ever like to see that!"

�� "Can't be done.� These are modern times.� Not ever.� Can't be done."��

�� Andrew arrives with Eliphas.� Jesus motions with sign language for Eliphaz to go with him.�

�� "Hey, where are they going?"

�� Jesus had not intended to heal first.� He had intended to preach first, then heal.� But this man needs to be able to hear what Jesus has to say.� It is only fair.

�� They disappear on the back side of the hill just out of sight of the crowd.

�� Jesus has other plans for the rest of the day.� But he will make an exception.� He is noted for exceptions.� He is Jesus the exceptional.

�� They stop and Jesus faces him.� Eliphaz knows it is about to happen.� He kneels.� He even holds out his tongue.� Like a little child before a physician.

�� Andrew smiles as he watches.� Philip grins.� "Say ah!" he mumbles.� Oh yes.� For the great physician.

�� But Jesus is not smiling.� An expression of frustration overcomes him.� It is in his eyes.� His jaw.� The throbbing veins in his neck.� What's wrong, Jesus?

�� It's those who will not listen as closely as Eliphaz has, isn't it?� Deafer than Eliphaz ever was.� And definitely much dumber.

�� He puts his fingers over Eliphaz's ears.� The fingers that periodically cleanse Jesus' ears now cleanse Eliphaz's ears.�� But ear cleaning?� That's the kind of stuff men do in private.� Surely not, Jesus.� Come on now.� Let's be more dignified than that!

�� Jesus touches his thumbs to the old man's tongue.�� He licks his thumbs.� Jesus, that's too personal.� You shouldn't get so personal.� You're going to be the next king of the Jews.� Jesus puts his thumbs right on Eliphaz's tongue.�� Yes, it is personal. [7]

�� Jesus now groans aloud.� If he could just unstop the ears of those back in Herod's territory.� Those political people.� Those religious people.� He should not have to run from them.� But they will not listen to him.� How deaf.

�� His groan slides into words.� Quietly spoken.� Not in thunder, but a whisper.� Eliphaz hears them.� Shhh....listen....

�� "Be opened." [8]

�� "Did you say, 'Be opened, Jesus?' Eliphaz exclaims.� "That is exactly what you said, isn't it?� I heard you!� Every word!� 'Be opened!'� I can hear!� I can hear!� Thank you!� Thank you!� Wait until I tell everyone!� Jesus healed me!" [9]

�� "No, you must not do that.� You are not to tell anyone what I did for you just now." [10]

�� Jesus does not explain to Eliphaz why.� Eliphaz understands Jesus' words, but not his meaning.� He does not realize, way over here in Philip's province that Jesus' life is in danger nearby in Herod's and Pilate's provinces.�

�� Eliphaz turns.� He leaves.� And as he reaches the crest of the hill where he originally met Jesus, he sees the awaiting crowd below.� He cannot hold it in.� How can he?

�� "He healed me!� He healed me!� Jesus healed me!"

�� "Huh?"

�� "What's he saying?"

�� Word spreads through the crowd.�

�� "That man can talk!� I saw his tied tongue myself!� Jesus loosened his tongue without cutting it loose and he can talk!"

�� Jesus follows Eliphaz to the crest of the hill.� Eliphaz has told it anyway.� Jesus is annoyed, but understands.� How can he hold Eliphaz back?� The love of God is so overwhelming.� It just spills out. [11]

�� "He's not denying it!"

�� "That's because he really healed him!"

�� A woman at the front grabs her young son and makes her way up to Jesus.

�� "Can you heal my son?� He was in a terrible accident.� He lost his foot and part of his leg.� Please, Jesus.� Can you make him whole again?"

�� Jesus cannot turn her down any more than he did Eliphaz.� He takes the boy in his arms and lowers him down to the ground.� He supports the boy with one hand, and begins to move his hand down the boy's stump, starting at the hip.

�� "No, this cannot be!"

�� As he lowers his hand toward the ground....

�� Such things do not happen!

�� As his hand is lowered....

�� "His leg is longer!" someone shouts.

�� "He has a foot!" someone else cries out.

�� Applause.� Abandoned applause.� Wild.� Thunderous. [12]

�� "Can you heal me?" someone implores loudly.

�� Jesus knows what is about to happen.� How can he turn them down?�

�� Come up here.� Let's see what we can do.

�� "How about me?� Heal me, Jesus."

�� "Me too.� Please."

�� The crowds work their way up to the crescent where Jesus is standing.� Hobbling.� Crawling.� Being carried.

�� Jesus' apostles, the destined dozen, keep order, and assist the weaker.

�� How can he stand all those people crowding in around him?

�� All day.� Someone brings him lunch.� And dinner.� He pauses just long enough to take a bite and set it down on a rock nearby to get dried out.�

�� The sun works it way across the everlasting sky.� The son works his way into everlasting souls.

�� People sit below astounded.� How can he be doing these things?� Is he from outer space?� Was he born on another star?� Is he using some kind of secret force?� No, it has to be from God himself! [13]

�� Finally it is dusk.� Jesus has healed hundreds of people.�

�� Yes, it is dusk.� Jesus has not spoken.� Yet he has.� His deeds bombarded their universe and enlarged it beyond all imagination.

�� When they can no longer see Jesus, they work their ways back to their respective pack animals and tents and branch boothes.� Luckily it is early summer.� And the night is fairly warm.

�� As the stars come out in their clarity and brilliance, the crowd grows still.� Still in movement.� Still in word.� They are hushed with wonder....��

�� Jesus spends one more day with them.� Feeding with the bread of life.� Then feeding with the bread of man.� They are hungry.� He feeds the families of 4,000 men with just a few rolls and sardines.� How does he do that? [14]

�� The following day, everyone gets back up, expecting more miracle food.� But Jesus and his twelve apostles are already gone.� They have other places to go.� Besides, it has become too dangerous to stay around.� Too many people know where they are.

�� Back on the highway.� They work their way back north.� Whenever they spot soldiers, they look down to hide their faces.�

�� They decide to stop at a large city.� A new city recently built by Philip.� There is another city by the same name over in Galilee.� Philip does not care.� He likes the name.

Magadan/Dalmanutha, Gaulonitis [15]

�� When they stop at a well by the road, he is spotted.� They� ~ the Pharisee sect and Sadducee sect leaders ~ are not friends.��

�� "Mordecai!� Come over here.� Guess who that is?"

�� "So he is finally showing his face."

�� "Get the others.� Now is our chance."

�� "He certainly is good at hiding himself.� I wonder where he has been these last few months?"

�� Jesus and his friends fill their water skins and walk over to lean against some nearby rocks to rest.

�� "Well, well.� If it isn't the great and holy Jesus.� Come to try to take over the synagogue here too?"

�� Jesus does not answer.

�� "You know, we would probably believe you if you would show us a sign from heaven.� You know ~ lightening, a tornado, something dynamic."

�� Jesus' apostles look over at him wondering what he will do.� He looks up at them but says nothing.�

�� "Well, how about it?� How about a sign?� Then we'll believe you are really supposed to take over the synagogue ~ maybe even the Temple." [16]

�� Jesus listens and sighs.� They do not get it.� They just do not get it.

�� Finally he looks up at them.� "When the sunset is red, you predict it is going to be a good day tomorrow."

�� "So?"

�� "When the sunrise is red, you predict the weather is going to be bad today."

�� "Come on, Jesus.� Everyone knows that.� Let's see a real sign."

�� "Only people whose egos are bigger than their desire to obey God demand God show them a sign.� No one else has ever demanded a sign.� No one else has had the audacity.� Well, you're not going to get one." [17]

�� "None?"

�� They wouldn't recognize it anyway.� They're blind.

�� "The sign of Jonah.� That's the one you should look for."

�� "But Jonah was in a whale three days and three nights then returned to earth to tell about it.� So what?" [18]

�� No use explaining it.� They will not listen.� They are deaf too.

�� Jesus immediately stands up and leaves.� His twelve apostles leave too.

�� Back on the road. [19]

�� These religious leaders don't really want to teach God's complete will.� They want to teach people to be saved their way.� They want to teach people God will accept whatever they do, as long as they're sincere.� Even if they're sincerely wrong.� Anything to be popular.� Even if God disagrees.

�� Back on the highway.� Back to hiding.� Keep a low profile.� Several hours go by.� They become hungry and stop by the side of the road.

�� "Where's the bread supply?"

�� "Who has the bread?"

�� "We don't have what?"

�� "We do not have any bread."

�� "After that miracle, we don't have any bread?" [20]

�� "We brought the one with us that we ate for breakfast."

�� "It doesn't matter," Jesus interjects.� "Just be careful not to ever make bread using the Pharisees' and Sadducees' yeast." [21]

�� Always watching for opportunities to teach.� Take advantage of an emergency.� Minor, major.� It doesn't matter.� Make them think.

�� "What are we going to do?" Thomas whispers to Simon.

�� "Does he expect us to stop right now and make some bread?" Nathaniel asks?

�� "What in the world is he talking about?"

�� "The religious leaders sell a lot of things to make money at the Temple, but they don't sell yeast."

�� "What are we going to do?"

�� "Anyone have any yeast on you?" [22]

�� Jesus sighs once more.� So little time left.

�� Are they deaf and blind both?� Like the religious leaders are?

�� "You don't understand.� We can get bread any time we need it.� Do you so soon forget the thousands of people who ate from such a little bit of bread?� It was done twice." [23]

�� The twelve discuss it between themselves.

�� "Jesus made the bread grow.� We all know that."

�� "So, how did he make it grow?"

�� "Just by a word.� His word is his yeast."

�� "So, the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees would be their false teachings."

�� "He's warning us to be careful of the teachings of egotistical leaders."

�� "Their teachings are puffed up with their egos and watered-down sermons."

�� Finally the twelve properly understand.� They are not blind after all.� Thank God. [24]

Bethsaida/Julias, Decapolis [25]

�� They decide to try a new strategy.� They decide to become lost in a crowd.� They decide to go to Tetrarch Herod Philip's Bethsaida.� The Bethsaida he has renamed Julias in honor of Caesar's daughter. [26] �The new Bethsaida far outclasses the fishing town where several of the apostles grew up. [27]

�� Herod Philip's soldiers are not interested in Jesus.� They are instructed that, if they spot him, to keep going as though they had not.� What with Antipas stealing his wife, Philip does not really care what Herod wants and does not want. [28]

�� They rent some rooms at a hostel.� It is late.� Tomorrow Jesus will take care of some other business while he is here.� There is someone else here who is blind.� Jesus decides to help him out.� Perhaps watching the physically blind will get the point across to his apostles ~ the future leaders of his kingdom.� Blindness distorts.

�� The next morning they walk to the city square near the main gate.� Although the city is still fairly new, the poor are always around.� It is true here also.� They are tolerated.�

�� They see a group of dirty men trying to wash up in a spring there.� They do not have any soap.� But they do the best they can.�

�� They are homeless.� Trying not to be a burden on others.� They do not ask for money or handouts.� They just do the best they can on their own.� Trying to maintain their dignity until they can get another job and get back on their feet.� They hope to be hired that day.� So they stay at the square.

�� Jesus strikes up a conversation with some of them.�

�� Jesus, aren't you too dignified for this kind of people?� These losers?� You're supposed to be the next king.� You'll never make it associating with people like this.� They'll ruin your reputation.� They'll run off the successful people.�

�� Whatever Jesus is telling them, they are interested.� Bums.� Bums on the street.� They want to hear more.� Gradually more gather around.�

�� They aren't much for synagogue.� They never felt very accepted there.� They don't understand the social cordialities and no one is willing to take the time to teach them.� So they stay on the outskirts of the synagogue.� And the community.

�� "I know about the scriptures," one of them says.� "But I never read it all the way through.� People say you can't understand it."

�� Jesus responds angrily.� But not at them.� They should not listen to those religious leaders who claim people cannot understand the Bible without them.�

�� Yes they can.� Everyone can.� God wouldn't have written a book that couldn't be understood.�

�� See it!� Read it!� Then they'll understand it.� They are not blind are they?

�� He continues to talk.

�� "Hey!"� Someone thinks he recognizes him.� "By any chance is your name Jesus?"

�� "Yes, I am Jesus."

�� "I knew it!"

�� "Hey, men!� Come over here!� This is that Jesus everyone has been talking about!� He's right here!� Talking to us!� In person!"

�� News spreads around the square.� Others come to hear what Jesus has to say.�

�� All but one.

�� "Hey, tell him not to leave!" Eleazor calls out.� "I'll be right back."

�� He crosses the street and goes down to the corner.� A man blind is getting there.� He is tolerated too.

�� "Aram!� You've got to come!"

�� Aram recognizes the voice immediately.

�� "What for?� There's nothing to see!"

�� "Yes, there is!" Eleazor encourages.� "It's that Jesus everyone has been talking about!� He's up on the hill!� Come on!� We're going to get your eyes back today!"

�� Eleazor pulls on Aram's arm until he gives in and gets up.� The two shuffle their way across the street and across the square.� Stumbling.� Struggling.� Falling.� Getting back up.

�� "Jesus, this is my friend Aram.� He is blind."

�� Jesus introduces himself and asks him to go with him.� He excuses himself, takes Aram by the arm, and leads him outside the city gate.� Its okay for his apostles to follow, but no one else.� What is Jesus doing?

�� Once outside the gate, Jesus goes off the road so they can be alone.� He must not draw attention to himself.� He is still a wanted man. [29]

�� They gather around Jesus and his new friend protectively so outsiders, even from the road, cannot tell what is going on.

�� Jesus licks his fingers and touches Aram's useless eyes.� Saliva again?� Jesus, what are you doing?� Why water all the time?� And such personal water?� Don't you know it's undignified?� Why do you keep doing such undignified things?

�� Jesus takes his fingers away from Aram's eyes.

�� "Do you see anything?"

�� "Well, yes.� But not clearly.� I see people all right, but they're distorted.� They look like trees.� I can't really tell what they're doing." How would he know what people and trees look like? His beaten-down faith needs a little more help.

�� Jesus puts his hands back on Aram's eyes, and struggles once again with Aram's faith.�

�� "How about now?� Is your sight good now?"

�� "I can see!� I can tell all of you clearly!� I see him and him and him!� I can tell what they're wearing.� I can see clearly now!� And I can see you too.� At last I can see you, Jesus.� Thank you!� Thank you!" [30]

�� Suspecting Jesus has brought the man outside the city for another reason besides hiding his identity, Judas asks, "Where is your home?" [31]

�� "In Gergesa."

�� Jesus encourages Aram to go back home.�

�� "Don't go back into Julias."

�� He can hold a job now.� He can return to his family with some dignity.� Judas counts out some money.�

�� How can he leave Jesus?� Jesus encourages him.� He turns south and heads home.� Home to a new life.� Aram has been reborn. [32]

�� It is time to move on.�

�� Where to now?

�� Caesarea in Philippi.�

�� As they go back out on the road heading north, they talk among themselves.

�� They walk awhile in silence.� Jesus could have healed him immediately.� Why didn't he?�

�� "When Aram could see only a little," Judas suggests for thought, "he may as well have still been blind."

�� "Like being lost in a foggy mist," Matthew responds.

�� "Like a little bit of knowledge," James Junior throws in.

�� "Like only part of the truth," Nathaniel adds.

�� "Like almost winning a race and almost getting the crown," Thomas concludes.

�� So much yet to teach.� So much to open the eyes of the world wandering around blind and deaf.� Yes, and lost.

������ LIFE APPLICATION

1.�� In what way do you purposely become blind to at least part of the scriptures?� What will you do to correct your blindness?

2.�� In what way do you purposely become deaf rather than hear life applications to the scriptures?� What is at least one life-application scripture you wish weren't in the Bible? What will you do to correct your deafness?

3.�� In what way do you purposely become mute rather than share the scriptures with others?� What will you do to correct your muteness?

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