Why did the blind man see men like trees walking when Jesus touched him?

[Deep Truth]

And they (Jesus and the disciples) came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. (23) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" (24) And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." (25) Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:22-25.

​

When I read this story of the blind man I thought it was unique due to the fact its the only time when Jesus had to lay his hands on someone twice before they were totally healed. And after contemplating a while about the peculiar two stage process that Jesus used to restore this man's sight, I had several questions concerning this miraculous event.

• Why was the blind man's vision only partially healed when Jesus first touched him?
• Was it because the people who brought the blind man to Jesus had little faith?
• Or did Jesus get out of the wrong side of bed that day and was not walking in the full power of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus have to touch this man's eyes a second time before his sight was completely restored?
• Could there possibly be a spiritual meaning hidden within this story?
• Or am I asking difficult questions about a few minor details that may not have any meaning in them after all?
• Am I being too spiritually nit-picky?

Although I didn't know the answers to these puzzling questions I knew if there was an answer to be found it would be hidden in the scriptures.

• The first important rule when studying the Bible is to humble ourselves and pray, asking Jesus for wisdom and understanding of the scriptures, Matthew 13:36, Jeremiah 33:3.
• The second rule is to read a story in its context to see if the adjacent scriptures might shed any light on a possible hidden meaning.
• And the third rule is to diligently search for other scriptures that might be spiritually related to a particular story.

Jesus and his disciples feed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish​

With this in mind lets read the story of the blind man in context starting with Mark 8:1-12. Jesus with the help of his disciples miraculously feed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish and there were 7 baskets of broken pieces left over. After this they entered a boat and went to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees began to argue with Jesus seeking a sign to test him. Jesus said, "Why does this generation seek after a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."

Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees​

Then Jesus and the disciples got into the boat and he cautioned them “to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." The disciples did not bring any left over bread after feeding the 4,000 and there was only one loaf in the boat, so they began to discuss the fact of having no bread in response to Jesus warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, Mark 8:13-16.

Do you not yet perceive or understand?​

Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" Mark 8:17-21

Jesus was telling his spiritually blinded disciples that they shouldn't be concerned about the lack of bread since he just fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves. And then he said, "How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." After Jesus spoke a second time to his disciples they understood to beware of the leavened and corrupted teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Matthew 16:11-12

The blind man sees men like trees walking after Jesus touched him​

When they came to Bethsaida Jesus touched a blind man's eyes and he said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Jesus then laid his hands on the man's eyes a second time and when he opened them his sight was completely restored and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:21-25.

After this peculiar two stage healing of the blind man Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"

Mark 8:27-29 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (28) And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." (29) And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ."

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

The disciples first recognized Jesus as Israel's Messiah not by their human intellect or through the wisdom of man, but by revelation from the Father in heaven.

Then Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed and rise again after three days when Peter began to rebuke him for saying this. Jesus replied to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of man”, Mark 8:31-33.

At this point it's important to understand the scriptures describe two completely different Messiahs that would come to Israel. One Messiah is a conquering King similar to David who will deliver Israel from all their enemies. While the other Messiah is a suffering servant like Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave to Egypt.

The disciples first revelation of Jesus
was distorted by their expectation for a Messiah King​

As I said the first revelation that was given to the disciples was Jesus is the Messiah. However because of their flawed reasoning they believed Jesus was their conquering King who would deliver Israel from their submission to the Roman government, Luke 24:21. And this is why Peter rebuked Jesus when he spoke about his death and resurrection after 3 days.

Since the disciples did not yet understand that Jesus came to die on the cross as Israel's suffering Messiah, their first revelation from the Father was partial and limited, and it was also distorted by the disciples hope for a victorious Messiah King, Mark 9:31-32, Luke 9:44-45, 18:31-34, 24:21.

And at this point in time the disciples initial perception of their Messiah was vague and inaccurate, just like the blind man who saw men like trees walking when Jesus first laid hands on him.

What the disciples needed was a second touch of revelation so they could recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, just as the second touch from the Lord completely healed the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking.

Two discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus
do not recognize Jesus on the day of his resurrection​

On the day of the resurrection Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James told the disciples that the tomb was empty and how two men in dazzling apparel said Jesus has risen, but the disciples did not believe them, Luke 24:10-12.

Later that day Jesus approached two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, however the spiritually blinded disciples did not recognize their risen Savior.

The two discouraged disciples began to explain to their new acquaintance that Jesus was a mighty prophet of God who was crucified and how they hoped he was the Messiah who would redeem Israel (as their conquering King). The disciples went on to say how a few women went to the tomb that day and said it was empty and how some angels said Jesus was alive, Luke 24:13-32.

A second touch of revelation opens the disciples blinded eyes​

Jesus said to his disciples, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Luke 24:25-26

Jesus then explained the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection to his spiritually blinded disciples and when he broke bread and gave it to them their eyes were opened and they recognized their resurrected suffering Messiah who became broken on the cross for their sins.

This story of the two disciples who failed to recognize Jesus as their resurrected Savior reveals this is the Lord's second healing touch for his partially blinded disciples who incorrectly believed Jesus was their Messiah and King who would redeem Israel from their submission to Rome.

Now instead of grieving over their imaginary King whom they thought was defeated and dead in the tomb, the two disciples now see Jesus clearly for the first time in the scriptures as their victorious resurrected Messiah who came to suffer and die for their sins.

After this Jesus appeared to eleven of his disciples in Jerusalem when doubts arose in their hearts since they thought he was a spirit, Luke 24:37. Jesus then opened the minds of his doubting disciples to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection.

This again is the second touch of revelation that healed the disciples spiritual blindness so they could clearly recognize Jesus as their victorious risen Savior and Lord, Luke 24:33-49.

The story of the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking may appear to be just a miraculous two stage healing, however in context it's meant to be a symbolic picture for the partially blinded disciples who did not recognize their suffering Messiah until after the resurrection when they were given a second healing touch of eye opening revelation to understand the scriptures.

I believe there are several important spiritual lessons that are being revealed in this two stage process that Jesus used to restore the blind mans sight.

• God progressively opens our blinded eyes to his mysterious Word in stages, to whom he wants and at the specific time that he chooses, Dan 12:4, Mat 11:25.
• When God gives us a partial revelation of his Word we can make the mistake of distorting it with our flawed and blinded reasoning, just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their Messiah King who came to redeem Israel.
• The more we stubbornly hold on to our inaccurate interpretation of scripture the more challenging it will be to accept the truth, just as Peter could not accept the truth when Jesus said he was going to be crucified, Mark 8:31-33.
• God gives us progressively deeper and deeper revelations as we desire to grow closer in our walk of knowing Jesus. For example, at first the disciples knew Jesus was their Messiah, however it was not until after the resurrection when they recognized Jesus as the suffering Messiah. And later through a vision Peter understood the gospel was to be shared with the Gentiles (John 10:16, Acts 10-11), and that true circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit, Galatians 2.
• When we are first saved we know that our sins have been forgiven in our childlike understanding of the Father, 1 John 2:12. This is a result of God's first touch of revelation that opens our blinded eyes so we may be able to believe in Jesus as our Savior.
  
• And if we abide in Jesus and his Word, we will grow into strong young men who will overcome the evil one, John 15:5, 1 John 2:13-14.
  
• Then if we continue on in our lifelong path of following God we will become spiritual fathers who know Christ who is from the beginning. Spiritual fathers have matured through years of walking with Jesus in faith and love while they suffer persecution in total dependence on the Lord's strength and power, as they seek to know their Bridegroom through deeper and deeper revelations from the Spirit and the Word, 1 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 12:10.
• Philippians 3:8, 10 For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ....(10) that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

The blind man's blurred vision when Jesus first touched him is also symbolic for our vague and limited understanding when we first read a scriptural story, that we can misinterpret with our sin corrupted reasoning just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their conquering King, Proverbs 3:5-7.

Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer (about scripture from his blind and imperfect human reasoning) before he hears (knowledge and truth from the Holy Spirit), it is his folly and shame, 1 Corinthians 3:18-19.

However if we continue to seek after God and ask him for wisdom and understanding, we will receive a second touch of eye opening revelation from the Spirit so we may be able to perceive and clearly understand the deep prophetic truths that Jesus has hidden within his mysterious Word, Proverbs 2:1-7, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 1 John 2:27, John 16:13, Revelation 2:17.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

In the articles below I examine the scriptures that seem to be pointing to the years of 2031 to 2038 for God's tribulation judgment of unbelieving mankind.

Is the year when the tribulation ends written in scripture?
Part 2, 2 days, 7th hour, 38
Part 3, 2-38
Part 4, Genesis 14:14, 17:17, Exodus 7:7, John 5:5
Part 5, Psalms 83 & 90
Part 6, Isaac's birth from Sarah at 90
Part 7, Isaac's birth from Sarah at 90

Rachel after 7 years of barrenness gave birth to Joseph when Jacob was 90
The 12 sons of Jacob, symbolic for Old and New Covenant Israel

The Ominous Sign of Four Blood Moons in 2032 and 2033
Four Blood Moons in 2032 and 2033 Part 2, 85 Priests are put to death

Israel's Second Passover

Joseph in prison "two whole years" is prophetic for a 2,000 year gospel age
4 Prophetic stories reveal a 2,000 year gospel age followed by the tribulation
The Tabernacle reveals the age of the Law, the age of Grace and the Millennium

Why did God want to kill Moses when he lodged on his way to set Israel free from slavery to Pharaoh?

Why was Jacob called Israel when he struggled with God?

 

[ewq1938]

and when he had spit on his eyes

I am curious why he had to spit in the man's eyes for a laying of hands type healing.

 

[d taylor]

The first part of the healing was to stimulate faith in the blind man as he was brought to Jesus. He may have had to be brought to Jesus because, he was blind but also he may have lacked faith that Jesus could heal him.

 

[ewq1938]

Why did the blind man see men like trees walking when Jesus first touched him?

Because his vision wasn't fully healed so his vision was blurry. This would make people look wider than normal and could appear somewhat like walking trees.

 

[Mathetes66]

Simple answers to all your questions: you will have to ask Jesus. Anything else is pure speculation.

 

[miggles]

And they (Jesus and the disciples) came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. (23) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" (24) And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." (25) Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:22-25.

When I read this story of the blind man I thought it was unique due to the fact its the only time when Jesus had to lay his hands on someone twice before they were totally healed. And after contemplating a while about the peculiar two stage process that Jesus used to restore this man's sight, left me with several questions concerning this miraculous event.

• Why was the blind man's vision only partially healed when Jesus first touched him?
• Was it because the people who brought the blind man to Jesus had little faith?
• Or did Jesus get out of the wrong side of bed that day and was not walking in the full power of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus have to touch this man's eyes a second time before his sight was completely restored?
• Could there possibly be a spiritual meaning hidden within this story?
• Or am I asking difficult questions about a few minor details that may not have any meaning in them after all?
• Am I being too spiritually nit-picky?

Although I didn't know the answers to these puzzling questions I knew if there was an answer to be found it would be hidden in the scriptures.

• The first important rule when studying the Bible is to humble ourselves and pray, asking Jesus for wisdom and understanding of the scriptures, Matthew 13:36, Jeremiah 33:3.
• The second rule is to read a story in its context to see if the adjacent scriptures might shed any light on a possible hidden meaning.
• And the third rule is to diligently search for other scriptures that might be spiritually related to a particular story.

Jesus and his disciples feed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish​

With this in mind lets read the story of the blind man in context starting with Mark 8:1-12. Jesus with the help of his disciples miraculously fed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish and there were 7 baskets of broken pieces left over. After this they entered a boat and went to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees began to argue with Jesus seeking a sign to test him. Jesus said, Why does this generation seek after a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.

Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees​

Then Jesus and the disciples got into the boat and he cautioned them “to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." The disciples did not bring any left over bread after feeding the 4,000 and there was only one loaf in the boat, so they began to discuss the fact of having no bread in response to Jesus warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, Mark 8:13-16.

Do you not yet perceive or understand?​

Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" Mark 8:17-21

Jesus was telling his spiritually blinded disciples that they shouldn't be concerned about the lack of bread since he just fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves. And then he said, How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." After Jesus spoke a second time to his disciples they understood to “beware of the leavened and corrupted teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” Matthew 16:11-12

The blind man sees men like trees walking after Jesus touched him​

After this they came to Bethsaida where Jesus touched a blind man's eyes and he said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Jesus laid his hands on the man's eyes a second time and when he opened them his sight was completely restored and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:21-25. After this peculiar two stage healing of the blind man Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus asked his disciples “who do you say that I am?”​

Mark 8:27-29 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (28) And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." (29) And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ."

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

The disciples first recognized Jesus as Israel's Messiah, however it was not by their human intellect or through the wisdom of man, but by revelation from the Father in heaven. After this Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed and rise again after three days when Peter began to rebuke him for saying this. Jesus then replied to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of man”, Mark 8:31-33.

At this point it's important to understand the scriptures describe two completely different Messiahs that would come to Israel. One Messiah is a conquering King similar to David who would deliver Israel from all their enemies. While the other Messiah is a suffering servant like Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave to Egypt.

The disciples first revelation of Jesus
was distorted by their expectation for a Messiah King​

As I said the first revelation that was given to the disciples was Jesus is the Messiah. However because of their flawed reasoning, they believed Jesus was to be their conquering King who would deliver Israel from their submission to the Roman government, Matthew 20:20-24. And this is why Peter rebuked Jesus when he spoke about his death and resurrection after 3 days.

Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (32) And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. (33) But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Since the disciples at this point in time did not understand that Jesus came to die on the cross for their sins as Israel's suffering Messiah, their first revelation from the Father was partial and limited, and it was also distorted by the disciples hopes for a victorious Messiah King, Mark 9:31-32, Luk 9:44-45, 18:31-34, 24:21.

And at this point in time the disciples initial perception of their Messiah was vague and inaccurate, just like the blind man who saw men like trees walking when Jesus first laid hands on him. What the disciples needed was a second touch of revelation so they could clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, just as the second touch from Jesus completely healed the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking.

Two disciples on the road to Emmaus
do not recognize Jesus on the day of his resurrection​

On the day of the resurrection Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James told the disciples that the tomb was empty and how two men in dazzling apparel said Jesus has risen, but the disciples did not believe them, Luke 24:10-12.

And later that day Jesus approached two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, however the disciples did not recognize him. The disciples explained to their new acquaintance how Jesus was a mighty prophet of God who was crucified and how they hoped he was the Messiah who would redeem Israel (as their conquering King). The disciples went on to say how a few women went to the tomb that day and said it was empty and how some angels said Jesus was alive, Luke 24:13-32.

A second touch of revelation opens the eyes of the disciples
to recognize Jesus as their resurrected suffering Messiah​

In Luke 24:25-26, Jesus then said to his disciples, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"

Jesus began to interpret the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection to his partially blinded disciples, and when he broke bread and gave it to them their eyes were opened and they recognized their resurrected suffering Messiah who became broken on the cross for their sins, Luke 24:13-32.

The story of the two discouraged disciples walking on the road to Emmaus who at first did not recognize Jesus, reveals this is the Lord's second touch of revelation for his spiritually blinded disciples who incorrectly believed Jesus was their Messiah and King who would redeem Israel from Rome. Now instead of grieving over their imaginary King whom they thought was defeated and dead in the tomb, the two disciples now see Jesus clearly for the first time in the scriptures as their victorious resurrected Messiah who came to suffer and die for their sins.

After this Jesus appeared to eleven of his disciples in Jerusalem when doubts arose in their hearts because they thought he was a spirit, Luke 24:37. Then Jesus opened the minds of his doubting disciples to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection. This again is the second touch of revelation that healed the disciples partial blindness so they could clearly recognize Jesus for the first time as their victorious risen Savior and Lord, Luke 24:33-49.

The story of the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking may appear to be just a miraculous two stage healing, however in context it's meant to be a picture for the partially blinded disciples who did not clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, until after the resurrection when they were given a second touch of revelation to understand the scriptures.

I believe there are several spiritual lessons that are being revealed through this two stage healing of the blind man.

• God progressively opens our blinded eyes to his mysterious Word in stages, to whom he wants and when he wants, Dan 12:4, Mat 11:25.
• When God gives us a partial revelation of his Word we can often make the mistake of distorting it with our flawed human reasoning, just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their King who was going to redeem Israel.
• The more we stubbornly hold on to an inaccurate interpretation of scripture, the more challenging it will be for us to accept the truth just as Peter could not accept the truth when Jesus said he was going to be crucified, Mark 8:31-33.
• God gives us progressively deeper revelations as we desire to grow closer in our walk of knowing Jesus. For example, at first the disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah, however it was not until after the resurrection when they clearly recognized Jesus as their suffering Messiah. And later through a vision Peter understood the gospel was to be shared with the Gentiles (John 10:16, Acts 10-11), and that true circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit, Gal 2.
• When we are first saved we know that our sins have been forgiven in our childlike understanding of God, 1 John 2:12. This is a result of God's first touch of revelation that opens our blinded eyes so we may be able to believe in Jesus as our Savior. And if we seek after God with all of our heart we will grow and mature into young men who will overcome the evil one and our sinful desires. Then if we continue on in our lifelong path of following God we will eventually become spiritual fathers who intimately know Jesus who is from the beginning. Spiritual fathers have grown and matured through years of walking with Jesus through faith and obedience while receiving deeper revelations of God through his Spirit revealed Word, 1 John 2:13-14, 1 Cor 4:15.
• We grow from faith to faith, strength to strength, and glory to glory, growing closer in our relationship and knowledge of Jesus through faith, love, obedience and deeper revelations of his living Word, John 17:3, Romans 1:17, Psalms 84:7.

The blind man's extremely blurred vision when Jesus first touched him also represents our vague and limited understanding when we first read a scriptural story, that we can often misinterpret just as the disciples did when they believed Jesus was their conquering King, 1Cor 3:18-20, 13:9-12, Pro 3:5-7.

However if we continue to seek after God with all of our heart and ask him for wisdom and understanding, we will receive a second touch of eye opening revelation so we may be able to perceive and understand the deep spiritual truths that Jesus has hidden in his mysterious Word, Proverbs 2:1-7.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.

sometimes i wonder if the prophets had a sense of humor and embellished what the Almighty and Jesus did.

 

[Deep Truth]

I am curious why he had to spit in the man's eyes for a laying of hands type healing.

Blindness in scripture is symbolic for our sins that has caused our separation from God.
We don't know who God is unless he washes us from our sin that has caused our spiritual blindness and separation from him.

Matthew 4:16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned."

And we are spiritually washed from our sins by trusting in God's message of grace and forgiveness that came from Jesus Words, in other words we are washed clean by trusting in the water of God's Word.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, (26) that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, (27) so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Therefore Jesus spit that was put on the blind mans eyes is most likely symbolic for the water of his Word that can heal our spiritual blindness caused by our sin so we can be restored to a righteous relationship with God by faith in Jesus Words.

 

[Nancy Hale]

And they (Jesus and the disciples) came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. (23) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" (24) And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." (25) Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:22-25.

When I read this story of the blind man I thought it was unique due to the fact its the only time when Jesus had to lay his hands on someone twice before they were totally healed. And after contemplating a while about the peculiar two stage process that Jesus used to restore this man's sight, left me with several questions concerning this miraculous event.

• Why was the blind man's vision only partially healed when Jesus first touched him?
• Was it because the people who brought the blind man to Jesus had little faith?
• Or did Jesus get out of the wrong side of bed that day and was not walking in the full power of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus have to touch this man's eyes a second time before his sight was completely restored?
• Could there possibly be a spiritual meaning hidden within this story?
• Or am I asking difficult questions about a few minor details that may not have any meaning in them after all?
• Am I being too spiritually nit-picky?

Although I didn't know the answers to these puzzling questions I knew if there was an answer to be found it would be hidden in the scriptures.

• The first important rule when studying the Bible is to humble ourselves and pray, asking Jesus for wisdom and understanding of the scriptures, Matthew 13:36, Jeremiah 33:3.
• The second rule is to read a story in its context to see if the adjacent scriptures might shed any light on a possible hidden meaning.
• And the third rule is to diligently search for other scriptures that might be spiritually related to a particular story.

Jesus and his disciples feed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish​

With this in mind lets read the story of the blind man in context starting with Mark 8:1-12. Jesus with the help of his disciples miraculously fed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish and there were 7 baskets of broken pieces left over. After this they entered a boat and went to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees began to argue with Jesus seeking a sign to test him. Jesus said, Why does this generation seek after a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.

Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees​

Then Jesus and the disciples got into the boat and he cautioned them “to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." The disciples did not bring any left over bread after feeding the 4,000 and there was only one loaf in the boat, so they began to discuss the fact of having no bread in response to Jesus warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, Mark 8:13-16.

Do you not yet perceive or understand?​

Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" Mark 8:17-21

Jesus was telling his spiritually blinded disciples that they shouldn't be concerned about the lack of bread since he just fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves. And then he said, How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." After Jesus spoke a second time to his disciples they understood to “beware of the leavened and corrupted teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” Matthew 16:11-12

The blind man sees men like trees walking after Jesus touched him​

After this they came to Bethsaida where Jesus touched a blind man's eyes and he said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Jesus laid his hands on the man's eyes a second time and when he opened them his sight was completely restored and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:21-25. After this peculiar two stage healing of the blind man Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus asked his disciples “who do you say that I am?”​

Mark 8:27-29 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (28) And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." (29) And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ."

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

The disciples first recognized Jesus as Israel's Messiah, however it was not by their human intellect or through the wisdom of man, but by revelation from the Father in heaven. After this Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed and rise again after three days when Peter began to rebuke him for saying this. Jesus then replied to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of man”, Mark 8:31-33.

At this point it's important to understand the scriptures describe two completely different Messiahs that would come to Israel. One Messiah is a conquering King similar to David who would deliver Israel from all their enemies. While the other Messiah is a suffering servant like Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave to Egypt.

The disciples first revelation of Jesus
was distorted by their expectation for a Messiah King​

As I said the first revelation that was given to the disciples was Jesus is the Messiah. However because of their flawed reasoning, they believed Jesus was to be their conquering King who would deliver Israel from their submission to the Roman government, Matthew 20:20-24. And this is why Peter rebuked Jesus when he spoke about his death and resurrection after 3 days.

Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (32) And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. (33) But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Since the disciples at this point in time did not understand that Jesus came to die on the cross for their sins as Israel's suffering Messiah, their first revelation from the Father was partial and limited, and it was also distorted by the disciples hopes for a victorious Messiah King, Mark 9:31-32, Luk 9:44-45, 18:31-34, 24:21.

And at this point in time the disciples initial perception of their Messiah was vague and inaccurate, just like the blind man who saw men like trees walking when Jesus first laid hands on him. What the disciples needed was a second touch of revelation so they could clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, just as the second touch from Jesus completely healed the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking.

Two disciples on the road to Emmaus
do not recognize Jesus on the day of his resurrection​

On the day of the resurrection Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James told the disciples that the tomb was empty and how two men in dazzling apparel said Jesus has risen, but the disciples did not believe them, Luke 24:10-12.

And later that day Jesus approached two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, however the disciples did not recognize him. The disciples explained to their new acquaintance how Jesus was a mighty prophet of God who was crucified and how they hoped he was the Messiah who would redeem Israel (as their conquering King). The disciples went on to say how a few women went to the tomb that day and said it was empty and how some angels said Jesus was alive, Luke 24:13-32.

A second touch of revelation opens the eyes of the disciples
to recognize Jesus as their resurrected suffering Messiah​

In Luke 24:25-26, Jesus then said to his disciples, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"

Jesus began to interpret the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection to his partially blinded disciples, and when he broke bread and gave it to them their eyes were opened and they recognized their resurrected suffering Messiah who became broken on the cross for their sins, Luke 24:13-32.

The story of the two discouraged disciples walking on the road to Emmaus who at first did not recognize Jesus, reveals this is the Lord's second touch of revelation for his spiritually blinded disciples who incorrectly believed Jesus was their Messiah and King who would redeem Israel from Rome. Now instead of grieving over their imaginary King whom they thought was defeated and dead in the tomb, the two disciples now see Jesus clearly for the first time in the scriptures as their victorious resurrected Messiah who came to suffer and die for their sins.

After this Jesus appeared to eleven of his disciples in Jerusalem when doubts arose in their hearts because they thought he was a spirit, Luke 24:37. Then Jesus opened the minds of his doubting disciples to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection. This again is the second touch of revelation that healed the disciples partial blindness so they could clearly recognize Jesus for the first time as their victorious risen Savior and Lord, Luke 24:33-49.

The story of the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking may appear to be just a miraculous two stage healing, however in context it's meant to be a picture for the partially blinded disciples who did not clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, until after the resurrection when they were given a second touch of revelation to understand the scriptures.

I believe there are several spiritual lessons that are being revealed through this two stage healing of the blind man.

• God progressively opens our blinded eyes to his mysterious Word in stages, to whom he wants and when he wants, Dan 12:4, Mat 11:25.
• When God gives us a partial revelation of his Word we can often make the mistake of distorting it with our flawed human reasoning, just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their King who was going to redeem Israel.
• The more we stubbornly hold on to an inaccurate interpretation of scripture, the more challenging it will be for us to accept the truth just as Peter could not accept the truth when Jesus said he was going to be crucified, Mark 8:31-33.
• God gives us progressively deeper revelations as we desire to grow closer in our walk of knowing Jesus. For example, at first the disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah, however it was not until after the resurrection when they clearly recognized Jesus as their suffering Messiah. And later through a vision Peter understood the gospel was to be shared with the Gentiles (John 10:16, Acts 10-11), and that true circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit, Gal 2.
• When we are first saved we know that our sins have been forgiven in our childlike understanding of God, 1 John 2:12. This is a result of God's first touch of revelation that opens our blinded eyes so we may be able to believe in Jesus as our Savior. And if we seek after God with all of our heart we will grow and mature into young men who will overcome the evil one and our sinful desires. Then if we continue on in our lifelong path of following God we will eventually become spiritual fathers who intimately know Jesus who is from the beginning. Spiritual fathers have grown and matured through years of walking with Jesus through faith and obedience while receiving deeper revelations of God through his Spirit revealed Word, 1 John 2:13-14, 1 Cor 4:15.
• We grow from faith to faith, strength to strength, and glory to glory, growing closer in our relationship and knowledge of Jesus through faith, love, obedience and deeper revelations of his living Word, John 17:3, Romans 1:17, Psalms 84:7.

The blind man's extremely blurred vision when Jesus first touched him also represents our vague and limited understanding when we first read a scriptural story, that we can often misinterpret just as the disciples did when they believed Jesus was their conquering King, 1Cor 3:18-20, 13:9-12, Pro 3:5-7.

However if we continue to seek after God with all of our heart and ask him for wisdom and understanding, we will receive a second touch of eye opening revelation so we may be able to perceive and understand the deep spiritual truths that Jesus has hidden in his mysterious Word, Proverbs 2:1-7.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.

I've contemplated this bit of scripture for years. Why do people think the man was "under healed" and not "over healed"? He didn't say he saw men who looked like logs, they looked like trees; so I assume branches and all.
Also, I read KJV usually and it says Jesus led the man out of town. (23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.)
So, I've wondered if there were men besides Jesus and His disciples.
I was reading in Isaiah a few days back and thought I found a verse that pertained to this, but I haven't had the time to look into it more. I will today after I get some sleep.

 

[bling]

And they (Jesus and the disciples) came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. (23) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" (24) And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." (25) Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:22-25.

When I read this story of the blind man I thought it was unique due to the fact its the only time when Jesus had to lay his hands on someone twice before they were totally healed. And after contemplating a while about the peculiar two stage process that Jesus used to restore this man's sight, left me with several questions concerning this miraculous event.

• Why was the blind man's vision only partially healed when Jesus first touched him?
• Was it because the people who brought the blind man to Jesus had little faith?
• Or did Jesus get out of the wrong side of bed that day and was not walking in the full power of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus have to touch this man's eyes a second time before his sight was completely restored?
• Could there possibly be a spiritual meaning hidden within this story?
• Or am I asking difficult questions about a few minor details that may not have any meaning in them after all?
• Am I being too spiritually nit-picky?

Although I didn't know the answers to these puzzling questions I knew if there was an answer to be found it would be hidden in the scriptures.

• The first important rule when studying the Bible is to humble ourselves and pray, asking Jesus for wisdom and understanding of the scriptures, Matthew 13:36, Jeremiah 33:3.
• The second rule is to read a story in its context to see if the adjacent scriptures might shed any light on a possible hidden meaning.
• And the third rule is to diligently search for other scriptures that might be spiritually related to a particular story.

Jesus and his disciples feed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish​

With this in mind lets read the story of the blind man in context starting with Mark 8:1-12. Jesus with the help of his disciples miraculously fed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish and there were 7 baskets of broken pieces left over. After this they entered a boat and went to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees began to argue with Jesus seeking a sign to test him. Jesus said, Why does this generation seek after a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.

Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees​

Then Jesus and the disciples got into the boat and he cautioned them “to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." The disciples did not bring any left over bread after feeding the 4,000 and there was only one loaf in the boat, so they began to discuss the fact of having no bread in response to Jesus warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, Mark 8:13-16.

Do you not yet perceive or understand?​

Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" Mark 8:17-21

Jesus was telling his spiritually blinded disciples that they shouldn't be concerned about the lack of bread since he just fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves. And then he said, How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." After Jesus spoke a second time to his disciples they understood to “beware of the leavened and corrupted teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” Matthew 16:11-12

The blind man sees men like trees walking after Jesus touched him​

After this they came to Bethsaida where Jesus touched a blind man's eyes and he said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Jesus laid his hands on the man's eyes a second time and when he opened them his sight was completely restored and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:21-25. After this peculiar two stage healing of the blind man Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus asked his disciples “who do you say that I am?”​

Mark 8:27-29 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (28) And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." (29) And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ."

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

The disciples first recognized Jesus as Israel's Messiah, however it was not by their human intellect or through the wisdom of man, but by revelation from the Father in heaven. After this Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed and rise again after three days when Peter began to rebuke him for saying this. Jesus then replied to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of man”, Mark 8:31-33.

At this point it's important to understand the scriptures describe two completely different Messiahs that would come to Israel. One Messiah is a conquering King similar to David who would deliver Israel from all their enemies. While the other Messiah is a suffering servant like Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave to Egypt.

The disciples first revelation of Jesus
was distorted by their expectation for a Messiah King​

As I said the first revelation that was given to the disciples was Jesus is the Messiah. However because of their flawed reasoning, they believed Jesus was to be their conquering King who would deliver Israel from their submission to the Roman government, Matthew 20:20-24. And this is why Peter rebuked Jesus when he spoke about his death and resurrection after 3 days.

Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (32) And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. (33) But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Since the disciples at this point in time did not understand that Jesus came to die on the cross for their sins as Israel's suffering Messiah, their first revelation from the Father was partial and limited, and it was also distorted by the disciples hopes for a victorious Messiah King, Mark 9:31-32, Luke 9:44-45, 18:31-34, 24:21.

And at this point in time the disciples initial perception of their Messiah was vague and inaccurate, just like the blind man who saw men like trees walking when Jesus first laid hands on him. What the disciples needed was a second touch of revelation so they could clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, just as the second touch from Jesus completely healed the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking.

Two disciples on the road to Emmaus
do not recognize Jesus on the day of his resurrection​

On the day of the resurrection Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James told the disciples that the tomb was empty and how two men in dazzling apparel said Jesus has risen, but the disciples did not believe them, Luke 24:10-12.

And later that day Jesus approached two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, however the disciples did not recognize him. The disciples explained to their new acquaintance how Jesus was a mighty prophet of God who was crucified and how they hoped he was the Messiah who would redeem Israel (as their conquering King). The disciples went on to say how a few women went to the tomb that day and said it was empty and how some angels said Jesus was alive, Luke 24:13-32.

A second touch of revelation opens the eyes of the disciples
to recognize Jesus as their resurrected suffering Messiah​

In Luke 24:25-26, Jesus then said to his disciples, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"

Jesus began to interpret the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection to his partially blinded disciples, and when he broke bread and gave it to them their eyes were opened and they recognized their resurrected suffering Messiah who became broken on the cross for their sins, Luke 24:13-32.

The story of the two discouraged disciples walking on the road to Emmaus who at first did not recognize Jesus, reveals this is the Lord's second touch of revelation for his spiritually blinded disciples who incorrectly believed Jesus was their Messiah King who would redeem Israel from Rome. Now instead of grieving over their imaginary King whom they thought was defeated and dead in the tomb, the two disciples now see Jesus clearly for the first time in the scriptures as their victorious resurrected Messiah who came to suffer and die for their sins.

After this Jesus appeared to eleven of his disciples in Jerusalem when doubts arose in their hearts because they thought he was a spirit, Luke 24:37. Then Jesus opened the minds of his doubting disciples to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection. This again is the second touch of revelation that healed the disciples partial blindness so they could clearly recognize Jesus for the first time as their victorious risen Savior and Lord, Luke 24:33-49.

The story of the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking may appear to be just a miraculous two stage healing, however in context it's meant to be a picture for the partially blinded disciples who did not clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, until after the resurrection when they were given a second touch of eye opening revelation to understand the scriptures concerning Jesus death and resurrection.

I believe there are several spiritual lessons that are being revealed through this two stage healing of the blind man.

• God progressively opens our blinded eyes to his mysterious Word in stages, to whom he wants and when he wants, Dan 12:4, Mat 11:25.
• When God gives us a partial revelation of his Word we can often make the mistake of distorting it with our flawed human reasoning, just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their King who was going to redeem Israel.
• The more we stubbornly hold on to an inaccurate interpretation of scripture, the more challenging it will be for us to accept the truth just as Peter could not accept the truth when Jesus said he was going to be crucified, Mark 8:31-33.
• God gives us progressively deeper revelations as we desire to grow closer in our walk of knowing Jesus. For example, at first the disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah, however it was not until after the resurrection when they clearly recognized Jesus as their suffering Messiah. And later through a vision Peter understood the gospel was to be shared with the Gentiles (John 10:16, Acts 10-11), and that true circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit, Galatians 2.
• When we are first saved we know that our sins have been forgiven in our childlike understanding of God, 1 John 2:12. This is a result of God's first touch of revelation that opens our blinded eyes so we may be able to believe in Jesus as our Savior. And if we seek after God with all of our heart we will grow and mature into young men who will overcome the evil one and our sinful desires. Then if we continue on in our lifelong path of following God we will eventually become spiritual fathers who intimately know Jesus who is from the beginning. Spiritual fathers have grown and matured through years of walking with Jesus through faith and obedience while receiving deeper revelations of God through his Spirit revealed Word, 1 John 2:13-14, 1 Corinthians 4:15.
• We grow from faith to faith, strength to strength, and glory to glory, growing closer in our relationship and knowledge of Jesus through faith, love, obedience and deeper revelations of his living Word, John 17:3, Romans 1:17, Psalms 84:7.

The blind man's extremely blurred vision when Jesus first touched him also represents our vague and limited understanding when we first read a scriptural story, that we can often misinterpret with our blinded human reasoning just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their conquering King who would deliver Israel from their submission to Roman government, 1Corinthians 3:18-20, 13:9-12, Proverbs 3:5-7.

However if we continue to seek after God with all of our heart and ask him for wisdom and understanding, we will receive a second touch of eye opening revelation from the Spirit so we may be able to perceive and clearly understand the deep spiritual truths that Jesus has hidden in his mysterious Word, Proverbs 2:1-7.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.

You touch on a lot of what I would say.
Jesus only spoke (taught) in parables concerning the kingdom with outsiders present, so if this is a lesson being taught visually about the Kingdom with outsiders present it is a parable and a real good one at that.

 

[Bob Crowley]

I've a couple of suggestions, but that's all they are.

If he had never seen before, then the man would not have known his eyes were the organs of sight. By spitting on his eyes (a peculiar act if you ask me, although that's my interpretation as a 21st century modern - what were the traditions back then?), Christ indicated that was where the problem lay.

{As an aside, the following website makes reference to the alleged healing powers of the spittle of the first born son, with a reference to a paragraph from the Talmud (as I understand it). So Christ may have been condescending to a local custom when he healed the blind man and also a deaf and mute man by using spittle as part of the equation. He would hardly have needed to use spittle Himself, but since He was part of that society, He would have been operating within a context they understood and accepted, weird as it might seem to us with our laser eye surgery and ophthalmic surgery kits.

The Messiah's Spittle}​

Secondly if he had never seen before, he would not have had neural pathways which could interpret sight, since he had no experience with sight. The first thing Christ would have had to do would have been to form some form of neural pathway so the man could see at all. He could see but men were "like trees walking".

The second item would have been to tidy it all up, so he could see perfectly.

The reason I've made this suggestion is that I've been told that if people have been deaf all their life, and have reached adulthood, it's too late to have a cochlear implant because there are no "neural pathways" to interpret the new sounds they hear. They need to be young, or have had some previous experience with hearing.

That was one argument I thought about.

As I was researching to see if a similar argument could be made for neural pathways for sight, I came across this interesting tidbit, to do with the unique human ability to read -

Early brain connections key to reading: Pathways that exist before kids learn to read may determine development of brain's word recognition area

Neuroscientists have long wondered why the brain has a region exclusively dedicated to reading -- a skill that is unique to humans and only developed about 5,400 years ago, which is not enough time for evolution to have reshaped the brain for that specific task. The new study suggests that the VWFA, located in an area that receives visual input, has pre-existing connections to brain regions associated with language processing, making it ideally suited to become devoted to reading.

 

[Deep Truth]

You touch on a lot of what I would say.
Jesus only spoke (taught) in parables concerning the kingdom with outsiders present, so if this is a lesson being taught visually about the Kingdom with outsiders present it is a parable and a real good one at that.

Thanks for you comments. It appears you have perfect 20-20 spiritual vision and are clearly seeing what Jesus is telling us through this hidden parable.

What I have learned is their are numerous hidden parables like this throughout the Bible. And this is why we can read the same scripture for years with our natural eyes of understanding, and then one day the Lord opens our spiritual eyes to see a hidden truth within a particular story.

And in a similar way this is what Jesus if referring to when he replied to his spiritually blinded disciples concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?

The first comment the disciples made regarding the leaven of the Pharisees was they did not bring bread with them after feeding the 4,000. This is detail is meant to reveal they were relying on the blinded human reasoning to understand what Jesus was saying, which we also do when we first read a Biblical story. But the second time Jesus spoke is when the disciples spiritual eyes were opened and they recognized to beware of the false leavened teaching of the Pharisees.

And the next story after this is when Jesus touched the blind man twice before he saw clearly. Which is meant to be a parable for what Jesus just did for his spiritually blinded disciples so they could understand the the leaven of the Pharisees.

And this is what Jesus often does for us when we read the scriptures, if we are seeking to know him with all of our heart, Jeremiah 29:13.

Ecclesiastes 7:24 That which has been (in the past) is far off (and prophetic of the future), and deep (deeply hidden in the scriptures), very deep; who can find it out?

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

When I read this story of the blind man I thought it was unique due to the fact its the only time when Jesus had to lay his hands on someone twice before they were totally healed.

There were many other times. This is the only one recorded in Scripture perhaps.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

sometimes i wonder if the prophets had a sense of humor and embellished what the Almighty and Jesus did.

Woe to them if they did. Woe to anyone who adds to or takes away from God's Word. Woe also to those who mis-represent God. (like Moses - He could not enter the promised land because of this sin)

 

[solid_core]

My bet is that He first healed his eyes and then He healed his vision in brain.

Why to spit on eyes is more difficult question. But in every such question we must bear in mind that gospels were written long after Jesus left and details of these events may not be right.

 

[Hazelelponi]

And they (Jesus and the disciples) came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. (23) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, "Do you see anything?" (24) And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." (25) Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:22-25.

When I read this story of the blind man I thought it was unique due to the fact its the only time when Jesus had to lay his hands on someone twice before they were totally healed. And after contemplating a while about the peculiar two stage process that Jesus used to restore this man's sight, left me with several questions concerning this miraculous event.

• Why was the blind man's vision only partially healed when Jesus first touched him?
• Was it because the people who brought the blind man to Jesus had little faith?
• Or did Jesus get out of the wrong side of bed that day and was not walking in the full power of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus have to touch this man's eyes a second time before his sight was completely restored?
• Could there possibly be a spiritual meaning hidden within this story?
• Or am I asking difficult questions about a few minor details that may not have any meaning in them after all?
• Am I being too spiritually nit-picky?

Although I didn't know the answers to these puzzling questions I knew if there was an answer to be found it would be hidden in the scriptures.

• The first important rule when studying the Bible is to humble ourselves and pray, asking Jesus for wisdom and understanding of the scriptures, Matthew 13:36, Jeremiah 33:3.
• The second rule is to read a story in its context to see if the adjacent scriptures might shed any light on a possible hidden meaning.
• And the third rule is to diligently search for other scriptures that might be spiritually related to a particular story.

Jesus and his disciples feed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish​

With this in mind lets read the story of the blind man in context starting with Mark 8:1-12. Jesus with the help of his disciples miraculously fed a crowd of 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish and there were 7 baskets of broken pieces left over. After this they entered a boat and went to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees began to argue with Jesus seeking a sign to test him. Jesus said, Why does this generation seek after a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.

Jesus warned his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees​

Then Jesus and the disciples got into the boat and he cautioned them “to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." The disciples did not bring any left over bread after feeding the 4,000 and there was only one loaf in the boat, so they began to discuss the fact of having no bread in response to Jesus warning about the leaven of the Pharisees, Mark 8:13-16.

Do you not yet perceive or understand?​

Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven." And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?" Mark 8:17-21

Jesus was telling his spiritually blinded disciples that they shouldn't be concerned about the lack of bread since he just fed 4,000 people with 7 loaves. And then he said, How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." After Jesus spoke a second time to his disciples they understood to “beware of the leavened and corrupted teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” Matthew 16:11-12

The blind man sees men like trees walking after Jesus touched him​

After this they came to Bethsaida where Jesus touched a blind man's eyes and he said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking." Jesus laid his hands on the man's eyes a second time and when he opened them his sight was completely restored and he saw everything clearly, Mark 8:21-25.

After this peculiar two stage healing of the blind man Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"

Jesus asked his disciples “who do you say that I am?”​

Mark 8:27-29 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (28) And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets." (29) And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ."

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

The disciples first recognized Jesus as Israel's Messiah, however it was not by their human intellect or through the wisdom of man, but by revelation from the Father in heaven. After this Jesus told his disciples that he would be killed and rise again after three days when Peter began to rebuke him for saying this. Jesus then replied to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of man”, Mark 8:31-33.

At this point it's important to understand the scriptures describe two completely different Messiahs that would come to Israel. One Messiah is a conquering King similar to David who would deliver Israel from all their enemies. While the other Messiah is a suffering servant like Joseph who was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit and sold as a slave to Egypt.

The disciples first revelation of Jesus
was distorted by their expectation for a Messiah King​

As I said the first revelation that was given to the disciples was Jesus is the Messiah. However because of their flawed reasoning, they believed Jesus was to be their conquering King who would deliver Israel from their submission to the Roman government, Matthew 20:20-24. And this is why Peter rebuked Jesus when he spoke about his death and resurrection after 3 days.

Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (32) And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. (33) But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

Since the disciples did not understand that Jesus came to die on the cross for their sins as Israel's suffering Messiah, their first revelation from the Father was partial and limited, and it was also distorted by the disciples hopes for a victorious Messiah King, Mark 9:31-32, Luke 9:44-45, 18:31-34, 24:21.

And at this point in time the disciples initial perception of their Messiah was vague and inaccurate, just like the blind man who saw men like trees walking when Jesus first laid hands on him. What the disciples needed was a second touch of revelation so they could clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, just as the second touch from Jesus completely healed the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking.

Two disciples on the road to Emmaus
do not recognize Jesus on the day of his resurrection​

On the day of the resurrection Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James told the disciples that the tomb was empty and how two men in dazzling apparel said Jesus has risen, but the disciples did not believe them, Luke 24:10-12.

And later that day Jesus approached two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, however the disciples did not recognize him. The disciples explained to their new acquaintance how Jesus was a mighty prophet of God who was crucified and how they hoped he was the Messiah who would redeem Israel (as their conquering King). The disciples went on to say how a few women went to the tomb that day and said it was empty and how some angels said Jesus was alive, Luke 24:13-32.

A second touch of revelation opens the eyes of the disciples
to recognize Jesus as their resurrected suffering Messiah​

In Luke 24:25-26, Jesus then said to his disciples, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"

Jesus began to interpret the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection to his partially blinded disciples, and when he broke bread and gave it to them their eyes were opened and they recognized their resurrected suffering Messiah who became broken on the cross for their sins, Luke 24:13-32.

The story of the two discouraged disciples walking on the road to Emmaus who at first did not recognize Jesus, reveals this is the Lord's second touch of revelation for his spiritually blinded disciples who incorrectly believed Jesus was their Messiah King who would redeem Israel from Rome. Now instead of grieving over their imaginary King whom they thought was defeated and dead in the tomb, the two disciples now see Jesus clearly for the first time in the scriptures as their victorious resurrected Messiah who came to suffer and die for their sins.

After this Jesus appeared to eleven of his disciples in Jerusalem when doubts arose in their hearts because they thought he was a spirit, Luke 24:37. Then Jesus opened the minds of his doubting disciples to understand the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection. This again is the second touch of revelation that healed the disciples partial blindness so they could clearly recognize Jesus for the first time as their victorious risen Savior and Lord, Luke 24:33-49.

The story of the blind man who at first saw men like trees walking may appear to be just a miraculous two stage healing, however in context it's meant to be a picture for the partially blinded disciples who did not clearly recognize Jesus as their suffering Messiah, until after the resurrection when they were given a second touch of eye opening revelation to understand the scriptures concerning Jesus death and resurrection.

I believe there are several spiritual lessons that are being revealed through this two stage healing of the blind man.

• God progressively opens our blinded eyes to his mysterious Word in stages, to whom he wants and when he wants, Dan 12:4, Mat 11:25.
• When God gives us a partial revelation of his Word we can often make the mistake of distorting it with our flawed human reasoning, just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their King who was going to redeem Israel.
• The more we stubbornly hold on to an inaccurate interpretation of scripture, the more challenging it will be for us to accept the truth just as Peter could not accept the truth when Jesus said he was going to be crucified, Mark 8:31-33.
• God gives us progressively deeper revelations as we desire to grow closer in our walk of knowing Jesus. For example, at first the disciples knew Jesus was the Messiah, however it was not until after the resurrection when they clearly recognized Jesus as their suffering Messiah. And later through a vision Peter understood the gospel was to be shared with the Gentiles (John 10:16, Acts 10-11), and that true circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit, Galatians 2.
• When we are first saved we know that our sins have been forgiven in our childlike understanding of God, 1 John 2:12. This is a result of God's first touch of revelation that opens our blinded eyes so we may be able to believe in Jesus as our Savior. And if we seek after God with all of our heart we will grow and mature into young men who will overcome the evil one and our sinful desires. Then if we continue on in our lifelong path of following God we will eventually become spiritual fathers who intimately know Jesus who is from the beginning. Spiritual fathers have grown and matured through years of walking with Jesus through faith and obedience while receiving deeper revelations of God through his Spirit revealed Word, 1 John 2:13-14, 1 Corinthians 4:15.
• We grow from faith to faith, strength to strength, and glory to glory, growing closer in our relationship and knowledge of Jesus through faith, love, obedience and deeper revelations of his living Word, John 17:3, Romans 1:17, Psalms 84:7.

The blind man's extremely blurred vision when Jesus first touched him also represents our vague and limited understanding when we first read a scriptural story, that we can often misinterpret with our blinded human reasoning just as the disciples did when they incorrectly believed Jesus was their conquering King, 1Corinthians 3:18-20, 13:9-12, Proverbs 3:5-7.

However if we continue to seek after God with all of our heart and ask him for wisdom and understanding, we will receive a second touch of eye opening revelation from the Spirit so we may be able to perceive and clearly understand the deep spiritual truths that Jesus has hidden in his mysterious Word, Proverbs 2:1-7.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Job 33:14 For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it.

Jesus didn't fail to heal the blind man - He restored even the blind mans spiritual site first.

"You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. Its branches reached as far as the Sea, its shoots as far as the River." PSALM 80:8-11

Israel described. Prophecy fulfilled. Hence the follow-up, "Who do you say I am?"

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Jesus didn't fail to heal the blind man - He healed him too much, restoring even the blind mans spiritual site.

"too much" !? I never heard that before. (and don't think it is at all correct)

Remember He forgave people's sins, healed them, made them whole, from the inside out, completely. He still does this today - He had not changed.

 

[Deep Truth]

Secondly if he had never seen before, he would not have had neural pathways which could interpret sight, since he had no experience with sight. The first thing Christ would have had to do would have been to form some form of neural pathway so the man could see at all. He could see but men were "like trees walking".

The second item would have been to tidy it all up, so he could see perfectly.

The reason I've made this suggestion is that I've been told that if people have been deaf all their life, and have reached adulthood, it's too late to have a cochlear implant because there are no "neural pathways" to interpret the new sounds they hear. They need to be young, or have had some previous experience with hearing.

That was one argument I thought about.

I like what you said that about Jesus having to miraculously create neural pathways in the brain of a blind man from birth so that he can begin to see. And then he would touch him a second time so he can see clearly.

In the scripture it says the natural came first and after that the spiritual, 1 Corinthians 15:46.

In other words we are born spiritually blind and sinful from birth and unable to see God. And Jesus has to create a spiritual neural pathway in our brain and our heart so we can begin to understand our salvation from sin through faith in the cross. Then Jesus gives us a second healing touch so we can clearly recognize the deeper spiritual truths that he is telling us that we were not able to see when we were first born-again.

This is pointed out below in 1 John. Spiritual children that have just been born-again know their sins have been forgiven and they know the Father, God. This is the first step in our spiritual growth. After this we become young men and overcome the evil one, we have matured and do not yield to our sinful nature or to Satan.

Fathers are those who have grown and have matured in Christ, and they care for born-again children in the Lord. Spiritual Fathers intimately know Jesus who is from the beginning, and they see the deeper truths the Lord is telling them that little born-again children do not yet clearly see.

1 John 2:12-13 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. (13) I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

 

[Hazelelponi]

"too much" !? I never heard that before. (and don't think it is at all correct)

Remember He forgave people's sins, healed them, made them whole, from the inside out, completely. He still does this today - He had not changed.

True, your correct. I was just trying (imperfectly) to explain why trees followed with "Who do you say that I am?"

He healed the man's spiritual sight first, then healed his physical sight.

 

[bling]

Thanks for you comments. It appears you have perfect 20-20 spiritual vision and are clearly seeing what Jesus is telling us through this hidden parable.

What I have learned is their are numerous hidden parables like this throughout the Bible. And this is why we can read the same scripture for years with our natural eyes of understanding, and then one day the Lord opens our spiritual eyes to see a hidden truth within a particular story.

And in a similar way this is what Jesus if referring to when he replied to his spiritually blinded disciples concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?

The first comment the disciples made regarding the leaven of the Pharisees was they did not bring bread with them after feeding the 4,000. This is detail is meant to reveal they were relying on the blinded human reasoning to understand what Jesus was saying, which we also do when we first read a Biblical story. But the second time Jesus spoke is when the disciples spiritual eyes were opened and they recognized to beware of the false leavened teaching of the Pharisees.

And the next story after this is when Jesus touched the blind man twice before he saw clearly. Which is meant to be a parable for what Jesus just did for his spiritually blinded disciples so they could understand the the leaven of the Pharisees.

And this is what Jesus often does for us when we read the scriptures, if we are seeking to know him with all of our heart, Jeremiah 29:13.

Ecclesiastes 7:24 That which has been (in the past) is far off (and prophetic of the future), and deep (deeply hidden in the scriptures), very deep; who can find it out?

When some one asks me: "How many parables does scripture record?", I always say: "I do not know"?
In a way: Jesus is a living parable. God in man?

 

[faroukfarouk]

Jesus didn't fail to heal the blind man - He restored even the blind mans spiritual site first.

"You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. Its branches reached as far as the Sea, its shoots as far as the River." PSALM 80:8-11

Israel described. Prophecy fulfilled. Hence the follow-up, "Who do you say I am?"

Shows the primacy of spiritual and doctrinal matters, doesn't it?