When Jesus failed to heal

[Michie]

It’s an episode in Jesus’ biography that causes some of the top theologians to shrug their shoulders and admit they don’t know what happened.

For example, Baker’s New Testament Commentary series by Hendriksen & Kistemaker (one of the best available) says the reason for what occurred “has not been revealed to us.” The Expositor's Bible Commentary — another excellent work — basically says the same thing.

John Calvin suggests Jesus acted as He did, “…most probably for the purpose of proving … that he had full liberty as to his method of proceeding, and was not restricted to a fixed rule, so as not to resort to a variety of methods in exercising His power.”

So, what part of the Gospels am I talking about? You can read about the encounter for yourself in Mark 8:22-26. After studying it, the question you’ll walk away with is: why does Jesus fail to fully heal the blind man brought to him in Bethsaida the first time around?

It’s a head-scratcher for sure.

Some modern-day faith healers use the account to justify their failures and have people return multiple times to them for healing. Others point to it and question just how much “God” the God-Man Jesus had in Him.

Continued below.

When Jesus failed to heal

It s an episode in Jesus biography that causes some of the top theologians to shrug their shoulders and admit they don t know what happened

www.christianpost.com

 

[KevinT]

Others point to it and question just how much “God” the God-Man Jesus had in Him.

We know that Jesus was man as well as God. It's OK in my book for the man to show.

KT

 

[2PhiloVoid]

It’s an episode in Jesus’ biography that causes some of the top theologians to shrug their shoulders and admit they don’t know what happened.

For example, Baker’s New Testament Commentary series by Hendriksen & Kistemaker (one of the best available) says the reason for what occurred “has not been revealed to us.” The Expositor's Bible Commentary — another excellent work — basically says the same thing.

John Calvin suggests Jesus acted as He did, “…most probably for the purpose of proving … that he had full liberty as to his method of proceeding, and was not restricted to a fixed rule, so as not to resort to a variety of methods in exercising His power.”

So, what part of the Gospels am I talking about? You can read about the encounter for yourself in Mark 8:22-26. After studying it, the question you’ll walk away with is: why does Jesus fail to fully heal the blind man brought to him in Bethsaida the first time around?

It’s a head-scratcher for sure.

Some modern-day faith healers use the account to justify their failures and have people return multiple times to them for healing. Others point to it and question just how much “God” the God-Man Jesus had in Him.

Continued below.

When Jesus failed to heal

It s an episode in Jesus biography that causes some of the top theologians to shrug their shoulders and admit they don t know what happened

www.christianpost.com

... well, I'm glad that's settled.

 

[Ivan Hlavanda]

Jesus did not fail at anything. He chose to heal the blind man in 2 stages. What was the reason for 2 stage healing? We do not know as the text doesn't say.

 

[NBB]

Jesus, could make another universe if he wanted, i doubt he failed at healing, but there are conditions sometimes for us to get something from God,
Jesus couldn't do much miracles sometimes because of unbelief.

 

[Richard T]

A great article and question. the only thing I would add is that perhaps the first step to faith was a vision and not partial sight. As the man saw the vision (angels?) or even partial sight, it gave him additional faith. So the second time Jesus laid his hands on him the faith was there and the healing was complete.

Here is another source that helps describe the city, why Jesus had to led him out, and what really was the context. Basically Jesus was not spitting on the man, but may have used spit, to spit on the curse of blindness.

The Miracle of Spit and Sight — Bob Yandian Ministries

Jesus separated the man from the unbelief of the city. Jesus did not want snide remarks and insults to be hurled at this man who was young in faith. Jesus could heal in the midst of unbelief, but this man could not maintain his healing surrounded by the ridicule of the city in wh

www.bobyandian.com