Friday 23 April
Seeing clearly
Read Mark 8:22–26
Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (verse 25)
Like the story from yesterday, today’s story is found only here. Although brief, it is a turning point in Mark; with another healing story, that of blind Bartimaeus in 10:46–52, it brackets Jesus’ journey to the cross. Somewhat strangely, the story today tells of Jesus failing to heal. Jesus needs another try before the blind man can see clearly. In the very next passage, Peter rebukes Jesus for saying he must die on a cross (verse 32).
Perhaps Mark is suggesting that discipleship takes time: we don’t understand everything right away. Some things only gradually swim into focus. The mystery of the cross seems to be one of those things.
The importance Mark gives this little story might also highlight the physical aspects of following Jesus. Like the man healed, we are to look for real signs of God’s rule in the world around us. We, too, are to touch and heal (as in Mark 6:13). Our vision and our action are important; we’ve seen in these stories how Jesus uses more than just words to show God’s reign.
My children are learning to play piano, and the sound of their playing echoes in the house most afternoons. Although they make many mistakes, I can also hear them gradually gaining proficiency and skill. Perhaps following Jesus is more about the mistakes we make, the bits we get wrong, than about getting everything perfect the first time around. Mark seems to think so.
† Lord, help me understand that I am central to your rule of justice and peace. Amen
