SAVIOUR’S METHOD IN DEALING WITH INDIVIDUAL SOULS – HEALING THE BLIND- FEBRUARY 16TH WEDNESDAY (8: 22-26)

1. He isolates from the disturbing influences: The gossips and scheming politicians of Bethsaida, notoriety and the sense of importance. By his dealing with the sinner in conviction and repentance, he spiritually removes him to his own retirement. He is first brought to be with Christ, and then by and by he may be in Him.
2. By personal contact and operation and by kindly words, the inner free will and power of the patient were evoked. The gradual realization of spiritual power in these being saved is a crucial evidence of Divine grace, and encourages belief in the ultimate accomplishment of a complete salvation.
3. He enacts implicit obedience: This was the highest exercise of a spiritual kind he had demanded. Having won the trust and confidence of his people, he proves and perfects that by directing the fulfillment of duties, the reason for which may not be apparent.
4. We see that the man regained sight and reported that he saw human beings, but he does not see properly, an initial response to a curing activity also found in Hellenistic world. Then Jesus again lays his hands upon the man’s eyes. This action results in an intense gaze from the man.
5. Jesus orders him not to go back to the village from where he took him along. He does not want to create a false messianic expectation among the people. He is not a person who opts for cheap popularity.

We are living in an instant culture. We want to achieve everything in a short span of time. We have several instant cooking products being marketed. We want to achieve everything immediately without any effort. This mentality is okay to a certain extent when it concerns cooking and other material realities but we cannot have the same mentality in spiritual matters. We seek God’s grace and want it immediately. When there is a delay we lose our faith and begin to question God. Jesus is teaching a great lesson through this miracle. He does not heal the blind man immediately; he takes a bit of time. We need to be patient and need to persevere in our faith without becoming a prey to this instant culture.

Courtesy

The Pulpit Commentary

The Gospel of Mark – A Commentary