In the ancient world, a serpent was often a symbol of wisdom or intelligence. In the Eden story, the serpent used reasoned arguments to convince Eve to eat from the forbidden tree. Not everything beautiful or pleasurable is good for us. Our intelligence is not always the best guide unless it is guided by the Spirit. Both Adam and Eve were equally guilty in the story. It symbolizes what happens when we don't trust God and try to take control, we make a mess of things. It is better to obey God in all things.

The healing of the deaf man is one of the few times in which Jesus healed by spoken command. It was very simple - 'be opened'! God speaks, creation obeys. Jesus restored him to wholeness. Equally important were the ways in which Jesus opened the ears of all to hear the word of God. Often our physical hearing is fine, but we are deaf to the voice of the Spirit. Perhaps we can pray that Jesus open our eyes and ears of the heart so that we can see and hear God's word for us each day.