Mark 8
Go Deeper
In Mark 8, we read that “another large crowd gathered.” Interesting to note that in all but two chapters in Mark, a crowd is mentioned. People from all different backgrounds wanted to be near Jesus. Some wanted healing. Some wanted signs. Others wanted to kill him. Still others wanted a king. Remarkably, Jesus was aware of everyone’s condition and need. He knew the sacrifices made by more than 4,000 people so that they could be in His presence. He was mindful of the distracted disciples and their concern for their hunger more than their concern for their hearts. Jesus knew a blind man would need his hand held by Jesus so that Jesus could move the man into a position for healing. And, Jesus was keenly aware that those who wanted to follow Him would need to deny themselves and lose their lives for the sake of the gospel.
So many people. So many different needs. So many different circumstances. Each time, Jesus moves towards people, not away. He isn’t scared off by need or insufficiencies. Compassion. Provision. Healing. Teaching. Rebuking. The markers of Jesus’s ministry. Still, some of the ones closest to Him, in His presence the most, were blind to it all. In verse 18, He says, “Do you have eyes, but fail to see?” Yet, others who are in His presence for a brief moment see the most clearly: “his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly” (vs. 25).
Jesus is still in the process of revealing Himself to His followers so that His followers can reveal who He is to a world in need. He wants us to see Him as the sacrificial lamb who died in our place. The Savior who laid down His life so we could find ours. He is mindful of our condition and moves toward us. May we ask Him to open our eyes to see Him as Lord so that when He asks us, “Who do you say I am?” we can confidently and without hesitation reply, “You are the Messiah. Savior of the world.”
Questions
What is the first thing that stands out to you about the character of Jesus in today’s reading?
In Mark 8:2, we read Jesus’s words: “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” Jesus was aware of the sacrifices people made to be in His presence and He had compassion. Is there a situation you are facing in which you feel like you are sacrificing for the gospel? Knowing that Jesus is aware of your condition and is moved by compassion, how does this change your attitude and mindset?
We see that Jesus’s healing of the blind man happened gradually, rather than instantly. Sometimes restoration and healing is all of a sudden. Sometimes it’s a process. Take some time and thank God for the restorative work He is doing in your life and relationships. Ask Him to give you grace and patience for the process.