Healing a Blind Man (Mk 8:22-26)

Sunday's reading was Mark 8, 10.

This material is unique to Mark. The other 3 gospels don't contain this account.

1. Bringing and begging. In context, "they" appear to be 2 or more of the disciples. They brought the blind man to Jesus, then begged Him to heal the man. Today, do we have to beg Jesus to work? We know Jesus is God, and that God is good. Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd. We know God delights to give good gifts to those who ask (Mt 7:11; Jam 1:17). The begging had nothing to do with Jesus' ability or willingness. Begging reflects the intensity of the disciples' asking. They really wanted Jesus to do this for the blind man. What more might happen in God's Kingdom if we prayed earnestly and really expected something?
2. Interesting side note. The Greek for "begged" (HCSB)* or "besought" is parakalousin. This is the same root from which we derive paracletos (Paraclete -- one called alongside to help), a name for the Holy Spirit.
3. Isolation. Jesus brought the blind man outside the village. Why? Jesus did miracles, but that's not why He came. He came primarily to preach good news. Perhaps Jesus didn't want to be questioned about His method.
4. Unorthodox method. Jesus spit in the man's eyes. Gross! Humiliating! Yes, but the blind man didn't seem to care. No reaction. No repulsion. All he knew was that it worked. From the blnd man's perspective, nothing was worse than being blind. Jesus would be spit upon too (Mt 26:67). Just as this blind man said nothing when spit upon, neither did Jesus.
5. Two touches. Jesus twice touched the blind man's eyes. Most times, one touch was enough. (Jesus brought the blind man through 3 stages: (1) not seeing, (2) barely seeing, (3) clearly seeing. What a lesson in progressive revelation -- how God communicates truth.) There are those who need a second touch. Better to be touched twice and healed than to be touched once and still struggle.

*Holman Christian Standard Bible