Read Mark 8:22-26
I Can See!
Jesus was in the land of Bethsaida and some people brought a blind man to him entreated Jesus to touch and heal the man. Before healing him Jesus did two things:
1. He took the blind man by the hand, and
2. He took him outside the village.
Then Jesus spit on the man’s eyes, laid his hand upon him, then asked, “Do you see anything?” At that point, the man could only partially see. So Jesus put his hands on his eyes and his sight was restored so he could see clearly. Jesus sent the man home and said don’t enter the village.
I’m fascinated by this man’s healing. Jesus doesn’t do the healing in front of the crowds of people. I wonder if it was because of his love for the blind man. Jesus’ goal was not to draw attention to himself but show love and compassion to the blind man. Look at the steps of intimacy that Jesus takes:
He grabbed the blind man by the hand and then takes him outside the village. Jesus could have grabbed him by the arm but takes him by the hand which, to me, shows a special love and compassion for the blind man. Plus Jesus leads him outside the village to a more private place. Who knows the anguish and frustration the man has had to contend with because of being blind? Jesus, taking him to a private place, seems to be sending a message of, “You’re Special!” or “You’re Worth Something!” A blind man would be treated with less value because of some thinking him as a sinner, or an inconvenience, or annoying because of being dependent upon others. But before Jesus heals him, he pours out his love and compassion upon him by taking him by the hand to a private place so he could heal him, not just of his blindness but of the pain and suffering from rejection, ridicule, and accusations. Jesus spits on the man’s eyes and he regains partial healing. Jesus touches his eyes again and this time his site was completely restored.
What are you going through right now? Have you been longing for healing and for your eyes to be open by the Lord so you can see? Perhaps you’re struggling spiritually because of certain pains and frustrations in your life. You have been seeking God, but you’re blind and don’t know which way to go!?! Jesus wants to get intimate with you. He wants to take you by the hand and walk with you. He wants you to feel special, valuable, and significant. He wants you to know that he has a purpose for your life. He doesn’t want to just heal you of your losses but wants to give you vision and direction for your future. He wants to heal you of all the pain and anguish and frustration you have gone through perhaps for a very long time. He’ll give you some clarity but in due time he will give you full clarity.
Trust Jesus for his intervention in your life. He loves you and will eventually give you clarity and healing. But walk with him knowing he’s holding your hand.
