Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Unlike in yesterday’s reading, there is no laughter, no scorn, in Mark 8:22-26. Here, the people had high expectations and were certain that Jesus would heal this blind man with a touch (verse 22). Jesus did touch this man, three times at least (verses 23, 25). He also “spit on his eyes” (verse 23)! Only Jesus could use spit for something so good. I don’t think that this blind man found his healing to be repulsive. Note also that this healing was private and that Jesus commanded the man to tell no one in Bethsaida about what happened. What was Jesus doing? First, obviously, He was completely healing a blind man, in fulfillment of Isaiah 35:5-6 and 42:7. He was meeting this man’s need and proving Himself to be the Messiah. Second, He was drawing out this man’s faith. Jesus was also bringing spiritual, eternal healing to this man. Third, the people in Bethsaida did not need another witness, for Jesus had performed countless miracles there. However, this man’s “house” (verse 26) was a place where Jesus had never been. Imagine that family, an extended family under one roof as was common in that day, as this man walked in, healed. How many jaws dropped simultaneously? Jesus is free to work as He chooses, and He is always working for the good, for the best.