Word@Work 095 - Mark 8:22-26
Published: Thu, 04/03/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 8:22-26 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spat on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." 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. Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village." (NIV)
In the previous passage the disciples could not understand to who Jesus was: they were blind to the truth. Now, the blind man's friends can see his problem, and beg Jesus to do something about it. But this healing miracle was done away from the glare of publicity, because Jesus wanted a personal encounter with the man. Note all the ways in which Jesus touched the man (took him by the hand / led him / put his hands on his eyes twice). He could not see Jesus, but he was willing to be in His hands. It was the right way to start a relationship with the Saviour.
This two phase miracle is not a weakness in Jesus' healing power, but shows how Jesus uses a variety of methods to do His work. At the same time, the man's faith grew. At first, people looked like moving trees, but when Jesus has finished with him, he had 20/20 vision. Seeing is the Bible's metaphor for understanding. And even though the disciples has been with Jesus and witnessed the miracles, they did not really know him.
Religion still obscures the person of Christ. Music can blind us to worship, activity can substitute for devotion, and even prayer can become a cold habit. However, allowing yourself to be in the hands of Jesus, and letting Him change you, can be really eye opening - as you find the real Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ. I thank you for all you have done for me, and I am sorry for the times I have failed to value You for who You are. I am willing to be in Your hands. Please work in my life through Your Word and by Your Spirit so that I can go to my friends and family - rejoicing in Your love. For Your Name's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
In the previous passage the disciples could not understand to who Jesus was: they were blind to the truth. Now, the blind man's friends can see his problem, and beg Jesus to do something about it. But this healing miracle was done away from the glare of publicity, because Jesus wanted a personal encounter with the man. Note all the ways in which Jesus touched the man (took him by the hand / led him / put his hands on his eyes twice). He could not see Jesus, but he was willing to be in His hands. It was the right way to start a relationship with the Saviour.
This two phase miracle is not a weakness in Jesus' healing power, but shows how Jesus uses a variety of methods to do His work. At the same time, the man's faith grew. At first, people looked like moving trees, but when Jesus has finished with him, he had 20/20 vision. Seeing is the Bible's metaphor for understanding. And even though the disciples has been with Jesus and witnessed the miracles, they did not really know him.
Religion still obscures the person of Christ. Music can blind us to worship, activity can substitute for devotion, and even prayer can become a cold habit. However, allowing yourself to be in the hands of Jesus, and letting Him change you, can be really eye opening - as you find the real Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ. I thank you for all you have done for me, and I am sorry for the times I have failed to value You for who You are. I am willing to be in Your hands. Please work in my life through Your Word and by Your Spirit so that I can go to my friends and family - rejoicing in Your love. For Your Name's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W095 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on