Introduction: Mark 8:22-26 gives the only Biblical record of the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida. It is also the only miracle in the life of Christ that is not immediate, for it takes two attempts in order to bring the man perfect sight. What can be the meaning of this? We know that Christ cannot fail for He does all things well.
For an answer, we can look to the context. Just before they meet this blind man, the disciples had misunderstood a reference by Christ to the leaven of the Pharisees. They thought that Jesus was referring to their lack of bread. Jesus, however, was speaking of spiritual truths and He scolded the disciples for their lack of spiritual understanding. Why "having ears, hear ye not" (verse 18)?
The blind man becomes an object lesson for the disciples. His healing was not for the multitudes because Jesus performed the miracle away from the view of the crowds and sent the man directly home. Jesus demonstrated how the initial healing of salvation does not always mean perfect vision. This comes from further growth and further touches of God.
- The Plea for Healing (Mark 8:22)
- It was Initiated by Others; "they brought him
- They Brought Him to Jesus - the right place
- They Besought Jesus to Touch Him - the right faith
- The Partial Healing (Mark 8:23-24)
- Jesus Took Him by the Hand (Psalm 32:8)
- Jesus Led Him Out of Town - away from the crowds and the world (Mark 6:45-47)
- Jesus Spit On His Eyes
- A shame causing action (Numbers 12:14; Isaiah 50:6)
- A subjection of pride (Naaman - 2 Kings 5:10-12)
- Jesus Put His Hands on Him (cp. Mark 10:16)
- Jesus Asked Him What He Saw
- The Perfect Healing (Mark 8:25-26)
- Jesus Put His Hands on Him - Again
- Jesus Made Him Look Up (Luke 21:28; 2 Corinthians 4:18)
- Jesus Sent Him to His House
Conclusion: We see in this passage 1) the blindness of the lost; 2) the partial, but improving, sight of the saved; 3) the perfect sight of the saints in glory. What is God doing in your life? Do you know Jesus Christ as Saviour? Is He trying to make you look up?