Read Mark 8:22–30. Why did it take Jesus two touches to heal the

blind man, and what lessons came out of this account?

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The Gospels report a number of blind people healed by Jesus.

Besides the passage here in Mark 8, blind Bartimaeus is healed as

reported in Mark 10:46–52. Matthew refers to two blind men (Matt.

20:29–34), and John 9 tells the story of Jesus’ healing a man born blind

who washes in the Pool of Siloam.

But this story in Mark 8 is unique. It appears only in Mark, and it

is the only miracle of Jesus that requires two actions to bring perfect

health. As part of the story, it is a touching detail that Jesus takes the

man by the hand and leads him out of the village. One can sense His

sympathy for the man’s disability.

But why two touches? As this is the only miracle in which two

actions are involved, it is not likely because of any lack of power on

Jesus’ part. Instead, it is more likely an acted parable, illustrating how

spiritual insight sometimes takes time to unfold. That is what is happening for Jesus’ disciples. The entire section, Mark 8:22-10:52 begins

and ends with the healing of a blind man. In this section of Mark, Jesus

is especially teaching his disciples about His coming death. They have

trouble grasping it even though He tells them numerous times. Just like

the blind man, they need “two touches” to see clearly. Restoring of sight

becomes a metaphor for insightful discipleship.

Teachers love questions. They are often the key to unlocking a student’s understanding. In this passage in Mark 8, the turning point of

the book has arrived. Three characteristics confirm this assertion. First,

Jesus questions His disciples about His identity, something He has not

done before this point. Second, Peter is the first person not demonpossessed who declares that Jesus is the Messiah. Third, immediately

following this revelation of who Jesus is, He begins to explain where

He is going—to the cross.

Why does Jesus tell His disciples to tell no one that He is the

Messiah? It seems counterintuitive to establishing the kingdom of God.

However, in Jesus’ day, “Messiah” had political overtones of overthrowing Roman rule. Jesus did not come to be that kind of messiah; hence

His call for silence on His identity.

What does this story teach us about times when it’s important

not to say some things, however true they might be?