Mark 8:22-26
This passage relates the event of Jesus’ healing of the blind man in Bethsaida. He takes the man aside and puts spit in his eyes. He then asks the man if he can see, and the man can see people who “look like trees walking around.” Jesus puts his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes are fully opened, and he can see. We have spent some time talking about this event, and I am moved by how special Jesus made this moment for the man, by taking him by the hand, away from the crowd. He also did the healing in two steps, which is different. We know Jesus could heal without needing a “second step.” What did this do for the man? Did it emphasize to the man that healing can be something that comes in increments? Is healing a process and not always an event?
Lord of all creation, you have the power to heal us all. Help me to have the faith to ask for your healing, and to recognize it when it is happening, even in increments. Amen
Becky, transforming
Mark 8:22-26
Some of the greatest spiritual growths in our life may happen when we are completely alone with God. When we are willing to be with Jesus in a place of solitude, he will help us in ways he may not have been able to otherwise. I see in this story that Jesus lead this man gently where he would not have gone on his own. The saving touch and the compassion of Jesus is expressed through his fingertips as he touched the man a second time. The blind man was likely filled with excitement because now he could see In the same way, I must be willing to follow Jesus to special places of solitude for spirit…