Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Mark 8:25
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 8:1-26. Excerpts from the commentary's fourth (of four) division (vv22-26):
- For the fourth division, the title is: "The Blind May See, but It May Come Gradually."
- "These verses constitute a visual parable that, though historically true, also symbolizes the spiritual pilgrimage of the disciples. Mark purposely sandwiches it between 8:14-21 and 8:27-38. The two-step healing Jesus uses is intentional. It is meant to portray the gradual, step-by-step understanding of the disciples."
- "Jesus could have healed this man instantly. That He doesn’t is pedagogical. The disciples are slowly coming to see and understand that Jesus is the Messiah. However, even after Peter’s great confession in 8:29, they still have only partial sight and understanding. He is not the kind of Messiah they expected. Only after the cross and resurrection do they finally get it. They are just like this blind man who received his sight gradually."
- Quoting commentary from Sinclair Ferguson, this commentary shares that '[the disciples] spiritual understanding did not come instantaneously, but gradually. They, too, needed the second touch from the hands of their Master.'
- "We will never be disappointed when we bring our friends to Jesus, and neither were [those who brought the blind man to be healed by Jesus]!"
Similar to the story here, Jesus could mold all believers into His exact image in an instant - He is God of course! Yet just like the blind man and the disciples, sanctification is a lifelong journey for believers that starts with our salvation and Jesus brings us home. God wants us to depend on Him for all things and to trust Him on our faith journey that He will continue and complete a work in us. See also Philippians 1:6.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God thank You for starting a work in me and for giving me faith that You will complete this work. You are an incredible God who is so full of compassion and grace! I am not deserving of how You bless me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
