When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?”
The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.”
Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.”
2nd Blessin
gSecond blessing people may want to this text to talk about sanctification. Jesus touches your life and you are saved, but your view on life is still like trees walking around: messed up. Jesus touches you a second time, and your eyes are opened and now you can see.
The text is not speaking about sanctification anymore than Song of Songs is describing our relationship with Christ. Taking this metaphorically, as many people read Song of Songs as well, is to misunderstand the meaning of the text. So don’t use this text for second blessing sanctification proof texting.
I do think the passage today is a God-send for pastors. Jesus even uses two tries to make things right. I believe Jesus could have healed him on take number one, but he did not. He heals slowly and with two distinct actions. Sometimes healing comes that way, slowly. I don’t like to wait; I want the whole thing now. But Jesus takes his time here. He works with the man in small steps. In ministry this seems like the more natural way; the more permanent way. I appreciate this miracle, it give me space to not always have it perfect the first try.
Thank you God for showing me that it is OK to take things slow at times. I am such a perfectionist; I get angry when things don’t work the first time. Help me to slow down and be patient as you work in people’s lives enabling them to see. - Dan Jones
Strange Medicine
Jesus heals people in many fashions. His actions vary - speaking, touching, being touched, spitting, making mud with spit. His timing changes - immediate healing, delayed, and staged healings. Today he used the spit thing. Strange. Stranger still, if we understand the historical context.
Many in Jesus’ day considered spit to contain magical properties. In fact, ancient Romans spat in places like their right shoes every morning or after urination, etc. as a defense against evil. Spit (spittle) has been associated with magic through time and diverse cultures. Why would Jesus offer, what could be interpreted as a nod toward contemporary magic in his own healing practice?
Jesus risks others thinking of him as a magician in order to declare an important truth. What others consider a magic elixir, Jesus insists he is lord and master over. I think his actions declare, “You consider this spit or spit and mud mix to hold magical properties, but this material belongs to me. I am the Creator of it and I will use as I see fit.” It’s an issue of authority over everything, one that Mark repeatedly emphasis.
Devoted Christians become susceptible the same mentality most have. Things are good or bad in, and of, themselves. If contemporary or ancient people considered something to be magical or demonic or sacred in some way, we fall into the trap of thinking the same way about that object or action. Jesus wasn’t worried, however. After all, the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1)!
Lord God, You have reminded me today, that everything belongs to you. I will not be afraid of any thing, however other use it or define it. I will use everything to your honor. - Mike Leamon
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