“When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly.” Mark 8:22-25
Have you ever been in a dark room, stumbling around, stubbing your toes, struggling to find something? I recently went out to my garage to put something away. The transition of going from my well-lit laundry room into the dark garage was a big adjustment for my eyes. For a moment I was blind. I stood still until my eyes started to adjust to the dimly lit garage. Gradually, the shapes and outlines of objects became clearer.
Likewise, sometimes it takes a while for our spiritual eyesight to adjust. As we give it time, prayer, effort in studying God’s word, among other Biblical practices, we will see more and more clearly.
Commentators point out that this is the only “gradual” or “progressive” healing described in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus probably chose this method at this time as an illustration to His disciples, showing them that their spiritual blindness will be healed gradually.
Paul prays for people in Ephesians who are already believers, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…” The Christian walk is one of progressive growth and vision. May we join Paul in his prayer so that our spiritual eyesight increases.
Psalm 19:8, “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
Psalm 119:18, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Your law.”