Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSample

Seeing in Stages (Mark 8:22-9:13)

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 (NIV)

Context:

This passage marks a transition point in Mark's gospel. The first half of the book (Mark 1:1-8:21) demonstrates Jesus's authority as the Messiah and Son of God. However, Jesus also consistently silenced the reports about his deeds.

The reason for this lies in the political and spiritual expectations of the time. Jesus was indeed the messianic king, but the crowds—and even his own disciples—were not yet prepared to understand the true nature of his sacrificial mission, nor what it would mean for them to follow in his footsteps.

In today’s reading, Jesus begins to speak more directly about his true mission:

1. He will suffer and die
2. He will rise again after three days
3. Those who follow him will have similar experiences of suffering

Observation:

As you read the passage, focus on observing three key elements:

1. The Two-Stage Healing (Mark 8:22-25)
   • First stage: With one touch from Jesus, the man sees people, but not clearly
   • Second stage: After a second touch, the man’s sight is fully restored

2. Peter's Confession and Rebuke (Mark 8:29 and 8:32-33)

• He boldly identifies Jesus as the Messiah
• Yet he struggles to accept Jesus's teaching on the Messiah’s path of suffering

3. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13)

• Reveals a glimpse of Jesus's divine glory
• Note the time element in Mark 9:2, which connects this event with Jesus's teachings on suffering immediately before (in Mark 8:31-38)

Interpretation:

The two-stage healing of the blind man is more than a simple miracle. It also serves as a powerful metaphor:

• Jesus could have healed the man instantly—think of so many of his other miracles which occurred in an instant! So, why the two-stage process here?
• The context suggests that because Jesus healed the blind man in this way, Mark was able to use it as an illustration of the disciples' gradual understanding of Jesus's mission.

Peter and the other disciples:

1. Had been “touched” by Jesus once - and as a result they knew he was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. They could see him somewhat.
2. But they locked the ability to see him clearly and didn’t comprehend the true nature of his call to suffering and service. They needed a “second” touch by the Holy Spirit (see John 14:25-26 and John 16:12-15).

Jesus’s own mission, and the mission of those who followed him, would involve great glory. But first, would come suffering and sacrifice. These stages are reflected in Mark’s positioning of Jesus’s Transfiguration immediately after direct teachings on his upcoming death and the suffering of those who choose to follow in his footsteps.

Application:

Peter’s resistance to the path of suffering and service is understandable! In what ways can you relate to Peter? What do you need in order to “see” Jesus and the ways of his kingdom more clearly?

How could the promise of resurrection and glory on the other side of suffering help you in the midst of it?