The Gospel of Mark: Blind Man at Bethsaida

They came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the manlooked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.” ~ Mark 8:22-26


Mark has three distinct parts. And here we begin part two.

Part one ended with Jesus asking the disciples whether they had eyes but failed to see or ears but failed to hear - not long after he had healed a deaf man.

And now, the heavy symbolism continues as they encounter a blind man who will see.

A blind man who had eyes but couldn't see, but now can see clearly.

Part two will end with another encounter with a blind man. What does this transition section have to tell us about sight as followers of Jesus?

Do we have eyes and yet do not see? So far, it seems that is the case for the disciples.

Yet Jesus has told them - and us - already that all things will eventually be uncovered.

All things will eventually be seen.

Like this blind man, there is hope for the disciples and hope for us. The unveiling is only just beginning.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Questions:


When have you missed seeing something that should have been obvious to you?

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