Mark 8:22-26, Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Bethsaida

[From the spiritually blind disciples, we move on to a physically blind man.]

²² And they came to Bethsaida [meaning, “House of the Fisherman” back on the north shore, the home of Peter, who in the next chapter will have his eyes opened to the identity of Jesus in the Transfiguration]. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. [We again see how the faith of others plays a role in healing.] ²³ And he took the blind man by the hand [in a move of intimate compassion] and led him out of the village [to a more private location?], and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” ²⁴ And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” [He is part way to full sight.] ²⁵ Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. [Jesus did not stop until the man was completely healed and his eyes made to work as they were designed by God. Is this an acted-out parable of a man coming into clear vision of Jesus in two parts? The disciples will come to a clear vision of Jesus as the Messiah but they do not yet see him as the suffering Messiah.] ²⁶ And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.” [He does not want to be known as a miracle worker spread by gossiping villagers.]