Daily Lesson for Sunday 11th of August 2024
Read Mark 8:22-30. Why did it take Jesus two touches to heal the blind man, and what lessons came out of this account?
The Gospels report a number of blind people healed by Jesus. Besides the passage here in Mark 8:1-38, blind Bartimaeus is healed as reported in Mark 10:46-52. Matthew refers to two blind men (Matthew 20:29-34), and John 9:1-41 tells the story of Jesus’ healing a man born blind who washes in the Pool of Siloam.
Image © Erik Stenbakken at Goodsalt.com
But this story in Mark 8:1-38 is unique. It appears only in Mark, and it is the only miracle of Jesus that requires two actions to bring perfect health. As part of the story, it is a touching detail that Jesus takes the man by the hand and leads him out of the village. One can sense His sympathy for the man’s disability.
But why two touches? As this is the only miracle in which two actions are involved, it is not likely because of any lack of power on Jesus’ part. Instead, it is more likely an acted parable, illustrating how spiritual insight sometimes takes time to unfold. That is what is happening for Jesus’ disciples. The entire section, Mark 8:22-38; Mark 9:1-50; Mark 10:1-52 begins and ends with the healing of a blind man. In this section of Mark, Jesus is especially teaching his disciples about His coming death. They have trouble grasping it even though He tells them numerous times. Just like the blind man, they need “two touches” to see clearly. Restoring of sight becomes a metaphor for insightful discipleship.
Teachers love questions. They are often the key to unlocking a student’s understanding. In this passage in Mark 8:1-38, the turning point of the book has arrived. Three characteristics confirm this assertion. First, Jesus questions His disciples about His identity, something He has not done before this point. Second, Peter is the first person not demon-possessed who declares that Jesus is the Messiah. Third, immediately following this revelation of who Jesus is, He begins to explain where He is going—to the cross.
Why does Jesus tell His disciples to tell no one that He is the Messiah? It seems counterintuitive to establishing the kingdom of God. However, in Jesus’ day, “Messiah” had political overtones of overthrowing Roman rule. Jesus did not come to be that kind of messiah; hence His call for silence on His identity.
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What does this story teach us about times when it’s important not to say some things, however true they might be? |
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