Mark 8:22-30
Introduction
At the end of the last study, we saw that the disciples still didn’t understand who Jesus really was. But by the end of today’s passage, the disciples finally get it. And before that happens, Jesus heals a blind man in two stages.
We have two separate events in today’s study but they are connected as we will see.
Bear all of this in mind as we examine today’s passage.
Verse 22
In this verse we are told that Jesus and the disciples came to the village of Bethsaida. Bethsaida means ‘village of the fisher’. It’s the village where Philip, Andrew and Peter came to join Jesus.
Matthew tells us that Jesus rebuked Bethsaida. In Matthew 11:21 Jesus says, “Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” Bethsaida was a place of unbelief. Bear this in mind.
When Jesus and the disciples arrived at Bethsaida, they brought a blind man to Jesus and begged Him to touch him.
Verses 23 to 26
At this point it should be noted that this healing story is only found in Mark’s Gospel. It should also be noted that this is the only healing miracle in the New Testament that does not happen instantly. It takes place in two stages.
The first thing that Jesus did with the blind man was to take him by the hand and lead him out of the village. He did this in order to get the man away from the unbelieving people of Bethsaida. We have seen this kind of approach by Jesus before in Mark’s Gospel where he keeps unbelievers away whilst He heals someone. From this we learn that only those with faith should be involved in praying for someone for healing.
In order to heal the blind man, Jesus spat on his eyes and touched him. We have seen Jesus using spittle before when He healed the deaf and dumb man in chapter 7.
Jesus laid hands on the blind man’s eyes. We know this because Mark tells us in verse 25 that Jesus laid hands on his eyes ‘again’. Then Jesus did something unusual. He asked him if he could see anything. Did Jesus do this because He wasn’t sure if He had enough power to heal the man instantly? No, that can’t be the case. So, why did Jesus heal the blind man in two stages? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but I believe it was a visual lesson for the disciples. It’s all about the context. Remember that just before this healing Jesus had rebuked the disciples because they still couldn’t see who Jesus really was. They could see that Jesus was no ordinary man but they couldn’t see why. Then as we will see later in this passage the eyes of the disciples are fully opened and they can see clearly who Jesus is. Now do you see why I see the staged healing of the blind man as a visual lesson for the disciples. The lesson for us from this is that being able to fully understand who Jesus is comes gradually. Think about that for yourself.
The blind man’s answer tells us that he was not born blind. Can you see that?
Notice how Jesus told the man not to go back to Bethsaida. Keep away from those unbelievers.
Verses 27 to 30
Caesarea Philippi is about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. It’s at the base of Mount Hermon which is at the northern limits of the Promised Land.
In verse 27 Jesus does something unusual for a Rabbi. He puts a question to His disciples. Normally it would be the disciples who would put questions to their Rabbi. The first question that Jesus asks His disciples is about what the general population thinks about Jesus. And in verse 28 the disciples tell Jesus what the general population were saying about Him. This tells us that the general population had no idea who Jesus really was. All of their ideas were wrong.
But then in verse 29 Jesus puts a much more important question to the disciples. “But who do you say that I am.” Jesus wants to know if they have got it yet. Bear in mind that when Peter answers the question, he is speaking on behalf of all of the disciples. And bingo, ker ching, alleluia, they finally get it. At last, the disciples know who Jesus really is. Jesus is the Christ.
What is Peter saying about Jesus when he says that He is the Christ? He is saying that Jesus is the anointed one; the Messiah; that He is the anointed one who will save people from their sins.
At this point it is worth looking at Matthews account of Peter’s confession. Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:16-18).
According to Matthew, Peter got the idea from God the Father that Jesus was the Christ. It came to him as a direct revelation from God. Peter did not work it out for himself. The same is true for us. All that we know as the truth is divinely and directedly revealed to us. For this to happen we must be born again. Think about that.
Staying with Matthew’s version, what is the rock that Jesus will build His church on? It is the truth about who Jesus is. Remember, context is everything.