Seeing clearly
by Verena Johnson
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Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly (Mark 8:25).
One of the incredible things about the healings of Jesus is that every one of them is different. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with him. He deals with each person individually and uniquely. Read through all the healing accounts in the gospels if you doubt me.
Today, we read about the healing of a blind man. Imagine what it would be like to never see the faces of the people you love. To never see a sunset or a rainbow. To be totally dependent on others to go anywhere. To be locked inside a world of darkness. That’s what it was like for this man when his friends brought him to Jesus.
I wonder how he was feeling as they were bringing him and when they begged Jesus to touch him. Put yourself in his shoes and imagine how you would feel. Annoyed? Embarrassed? Scared? Ashamed? Hopeful?
Jesus takes the man by his hand and leads him away from the crowd and the village. What was the man thinking as he led him away? Was he expectant? Was he worried?
Then Jesus spits on the man’s eyes. Yes, you read it right – he used spit. Today, our health and safety people would have a field day with this! Was the man thinking, ‘Yuck!’? Did he attempt to move away from Jesus? Was he hoping someone would save him from this madman?
Jesus asks him whether he can see anything. So he opens his eyes and can see a little, but not fully. It’s all a bit blurry to him. What was he feeling now? Was he disappointed? Happy he could see at all?
This healing of Jesus is unique because the man is only partially healed. We don’t know why, and there are lots of theories out there. However, the important thing is that Jesus isn’t finished yet.
Once more, Jesus puts his hands on the man’s eyes. This time, the blind man can see clearly. The miracle is complete. Imagine how that man felt. How did he respond? His life had just been completely changed. Was he amazed? Moved? Thankful? Worshipful?
Jesus does miracles in our lives, too. Big, little and everyday miracles. Sometimes, we can be blind to them. Ask him to open your eyes to see him clearly and recognise his hand in your life.
Dear Jesus, open my eyes to see you clearly and recognise your presence and hand in my life today and every day. Amen.
Verena is a Church Worker Support Officer for the LCA Church Worker Support Department, where it is her privilege to support congregations, pastors, lay workers, employees and volunteers of LCA. In her spare time, she is involved in drama ministry, women’s ministry and prayer ministry. She has three children and eight grandchildren in three different states.
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