“And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” – Mark 7:37

Jesus does all things well.

This surprised the onlookers and lurkers. They had only seen a fraction of the things Jesus had done, was doing, and would do. Still, they were amazed.

It was not the quantity of his work, but the quality that evoked their astonishment. “Astonished” is a strong word. It implies amazement that shocks the one experiencing it.

We might say, “You knocked my socks off.”

Has Jesus knocked your socks off lately? Have you been awake? Have you been paying attention?

They cited two examples of his well-done work. They were two sides of opening communication.

In the first place, the deaf could hear. Equally important, the dumb could speak. Windows of communication were opening for those who had something to say but had not been able to speak and for those who had something to hear, but no capacity.

Jesus was removing barriers between people.

He is still removing barriers between people. He is still working miracles. He is still restoring those who are minimalized and marginalized. He is still opening windows and doors as well as voices and ears.

He is doing it well. He does all things well. Why should this be so astounding? Mark says that their astonishment was above measure

Have we become so accustomed to things being done in a mediocre fashion. Have we accepted half effort and low performance? Have we abandoned the hope and expectation of excellence in ourselves and in others?

Jesus shakes things up by bringing his best to the table. What do we bring of our own lives, commitment, and engagement. He has opened our minds, hearts, ears, and mouths that he might use them to continue his work of doing things well through us.