Mark 7

Jehovah's words in Jesus's mouth

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Mark 7:6–13

Jesus quotes Isaiah, where the LORD says, 'This people honoureth me with their lips.' As the premortal Jehovah, He first spoke these words; He speaks them again in person, and again to Joseph Smith in the First Vision.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Isaiah 29:13 — The LORD's rebuke of lip-service worship.
• a parallel account in Matthew 15:7-9 — Matthew's account of the same rebuke.
• quoted by Joseph Smith—History 1:19 — In the First Vision the Lord again says 'they draw near to me with their lips.'

Jesus teaches purity of heart

And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: Mark 7:14–23

Jesus calls everyone to listen to Him and teaches that sin starts in the heart, not in unwashed hands. He cares about changing hearts, not just outward rituals.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 15:10-20 — Matthew's account of the teaching on defilement.

Lord of the Gentile who believes

Lord — Master, and a title of deity

And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. Mark 7:24–30

A Gentile mother calls Jesus 'Lord' and humbly trusts that even crumbs of His power are enough. Jesus rewards her faith, a preview of the gospel going to all nations.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 15:21-28 — Matthew's account of the woman of Canaan.

The Messiah who opens deaf ears

Ephphatha — Be opened

And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. Mark 7:31–37

Jesus opens a deaf man's ears and loosens his tongue, and the crowd says He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak. Isaiah said this would happen when God Himself came to save His people, so the miracle is a sign that Jesus is that promised Savior.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Isaiah 35:5-6 — 'The ears of the deaf shall be unstopped ... and the tongue of the dumb sing' when God comes to save.
• a parallel account in Matthew 15:29-31 — Matthew's summary of healing the dumb and maimed by the sea of Galilee.