The Sighs of Jesus

“…looking up to heaven with a deep sigh …” Mark 7:34 NASB

The man was “deaf and spoke with difficulty.” But when Jesus spoke, the man instantly was healed. But first Jesus looked toward Heaven “with a deep sigh.” The Greek word, used only here in the Gospels, suggests a murmur, sigh, or groan.

Jesus used a related word a short time later when Pharisees tested Him, seeking a sign (Mark 8:1-12). Jesus reacted by “sighing deeply in His spirit,” declaring, “Why does this generation seek for a sign?” He announced that “no sign will be given to this generation.”

These are the Bible’s only recorded sighs of Jesus. So, what do they mean?

According to one recent study, sighs primarily express “resignation and frustration.” We almost can feel frustration as Jesus considered the questions of the Pharisees. There was so much He wanted to teach them. Yet they remained closed to the truth, blinded by their prejudices and preconceived ideas.

What frustration this must have caused Jesus! What disappointment!

But His sigh before healing the deaf man suggests a different message. Perhaps not frustration but a response to the man’s problem. Perhaps related to Jesus’ awareness of the needs in the world. How many needed healing and deliverance! How many were blind to the truth!

Perhaps He was anticipating how others would respond to this miracle. For He would order them “not to tell anyone.” But, in spite of His directive, “they continued to proclaim it.” They were “astonished,” but were their lives changed? Did they really believe? Did they understand?

We are left to ponder how Jesus responds to our actions and beliefs. Would He sigh about what we do? Is He pleased? Disappointed? Frustrated? Do we truly understand? Are we willing to put aside our preconceived ideas and look to Him for real truth? For an outpouring of God’s power?

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, it is my desire to be pleasing in Your sight. Convict me of sin. Open my eyes that I might see more clearly. Teach me. Use me. In Your name. Amen.