Mark 8:22
Verse
Context
The Blind Man at Bethsaida
21Then He asked them, “Do you still not understand?”22When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.23So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked.
Sermons
Teresa Conlon
Carter Conlon
Zac PoonenCarter ConlonCarter Conlon
Bakht Singh
Richard E. BieberSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
They bring a blind man unto him - Christ went about to do good, and wherever he came he found some good to be done; and so should we, if we had a proper measure of the same zeal and love for the welfare of the bodies and souls of men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And he cometh to Bethsaida--Bethsaida Julias, on the northeast side of the take, whence after this He proceeded to CÃ&brvbrsarea Philippi (Mar 8:27). and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him--See on Mar 7:32.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he cometh to Bethsaida,.... The city of Andrew, Peter, and Philip, Joh 1:44; a fishing town, which was situated by the sea of Galilee. Beza's ancient copy, and the Gothic version, wrongly read "Bethany". The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "they came"; Christ, and his twelve apostles, who landed at this place: and they bring a blind man unto him; for Christ had been here before, and was known by the inhabitants of the place; who, as soon as they heard of his arrival, and knowing what miracles were done by him, brought a poor blind man, of their town, to him, to be cured by him: and besought him to touch him; having heard of, or seen cures performed by him this way. This man is an emblem of such who are spiritually blind: he had no natural sight at all; he could see nothing; he had not the least glimmering of any thing, until he was touched by Christ: so men, in a state of nature, are quite dark, even darkness itself, until they are made light by the Lord: they have no sight, nor sense of themselves, of their sinful, lost, and dangerous estate and condition they are in; they know not because they are blind, that they are wretched, and poor, and miserable, and naked: they have no sight of Christ, neither of the glory of his person, nor of the fulness of his grace, nor of the nature, necessity, and suitableness of his salvation: they are quite blind as to any saving knowledge of God in Christ, the way of life and peace by him, and the work of the Spirit of God upon the soul; or with regard to any spiritual experience of the power of Gospel truths, or views of the glories of another world: and as this man seemed to be unconcerned himself about the cure of his blindness, only his friends were affected with his case, and brought him to Christ, and solicited a cure, so it is with unregenerate men, they are insensible of their case, and so thoughtless of it, and unaffected with it, and do not, of themselves, seek for a deliverance out of it; nor do they make use of means for that purpose; but it becomes their friends, relations, and acquaintance, that are spiritual, who know their case, and their need of Christ, and his grace, to bring them to him under the means, and pray unto him, that he would put forth the mighty power of his grace upon them, and give them spiritual sight to see in what a lost condition they are, and their need of him.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This cure is related only by this evangelist, and there is something singular in the circumstances. I. Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends, with a desire that he would touch him, Mar 8:22. Here appears the faith of those that brought him - they doubted not but that one touch of Christ's hand would recover him his sight; but the man himself showed not that earnestness for, or expectation of, a cure that other blind men did. If those that are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet let their friends and relations pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. II. Here is Christ leading this blind man, Mar 8:23. He did not bid his friends lead him, but (which bespeaks his wonderful condescension) he himself took him by the hand, and led him, to teach us to be as Job was, eyes to the blind, Job 29:15. Never had poor blind man such a Leader. He led him out of the town. Had he herein only designed privacy, he might have led him into a house, into an inner chamber, and have cured him there; but he intended hereby to upbraid Bethsaida with the mighty works that had in vain been done in her (Mat 11:21), and was telling her, in effect, she was unworthy to have any more done within her walls. Perhaps Christ took the blind man out of the town, that he might have a larger prospect in the open fields, to try his sight with, than he could have in the close streets. III. Here is the cure of the blind man, by that blessed Oculist, who came into the world to preach the recovering of sight to the blind (Luk 4:18), and to give what he preached. In this cure we may observe, 1. That Christ used a sign; he spat on his eyes (spat into them, so some), and put his hand upon him. He could have cured him, as he did others, with a word speaking, but thus he was pleased to assist his faith which was very weak, and to help him against his unbelief. And this spittle signified the eye-salve wherewith Christ anoints the eyes of those that are spiritually blind, Rev 3:18. 2. That the cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in Christ's miracles. He asked him if he saw aught, Mar 8:23. Let him tell what condition his sight was in, for the satisfaction of those about him. And he looked up; so far he recovered his sight, that he could open his eyes, and he said, I see men as trees walking; he could not distinguish men from trees, otherwise than he could discern them to move. He had some glimmerings of sight, and betwixt him and the sky could perceive a man erect like a tree, but could not discern the form thereof, Job 4:16. But, 3. It was soon completed; Christ never doeth his work by the halves, nor leaves it till he can say, It is finished. He put his hands again upon his eyes, to disperse the remaining darkness, and then bade him look up again, and he saw every man clearly, Mar 8:25. Now Christ took this way, (1.) Because he would not tie himself to a method, but would show with what liberty he acted in all he did. He did not cure by rote, as I may say, and in a road, but varied as he thought fit. Providence gains the same end in different ways, that men may attend its motions with an implicit faith. (2.) Because it should be to the patient according to his faith; and perhaps this man's faith was at first very weak, but afterward gathered strength, and accordingly his cure was. Not that Christ always went by this rule, but thus he would sometimes put a rebuke upon those who came to him, doubting. (3.) Thus Christ would show how, and in what method, those are healed by his grace, who by nature are spiritually blind; at first, their knowledge is confused, they see men as trees walking; but, like the light of the morning, it shines more and more to the perfect day, and then they see all things clearly, Pro 4:18. Let us enquire then, if we see aught of those things which faith is the substance and evidence of; and if through grace we see any thing of them, we may hope that we shall see yet more and more, for Jesus Christ will perfect for ever those that are sanctified. IV. The directions Christ gave the man he had cured, not to tell it to any in the town of Bethsaida, nor so much as to go into the town, where probably there were some expecting him to come back, who had seen Christ lead him out of the town, but, having been eyewitnesses of so many miracles, had not so much as the curiosity to follow him: let not those be gratified with the sight of him when he was cured, who would not show so much respect to Christ as to go a step out of the town, to see this cure wrought. Christ doth not forbid him to tell it to others, but he must not tell it to any in the town. Slighting Christ's favours is forfeiting them; and Christ will make those know the worth of their privileges by the want of them, that would not know them otherwise. Bethsaida, in the day of her visitation, would not know the things that belonged to her peace, and now they are hid from her eyes. They will not see, and therefore shall not see.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:22-26 Earlier, Jesus and the disciples set out unsuccessfully for Bethsaida (6:45); here, they arrive, and Jesus heals a blind man. Only Mark has this two-part healing; it might connect with the opening of the disciples’ spiritual eyes in the next account (8:27-38). • John 1:44 identifies Bethsaida as the home of Peter, Andrew, James, and John (see also John 12:21). This small fishing village, although technically part of Gaulanitis, was generally considered part of Galilee (John 12:21). It was relocated and given status as a city by Philip the Tetrarch (Josephus, Antiquities 18.2.1).
Mark 8:22
The Blind Man at Bethsaida
21Then He asked them, “Do you still not understand?”22When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.23So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then He spit on the man’s eyes and placed His hands on him. “Can you see anything?” He asked.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Breaking the Strongholds in Your Family
By Teresa Conlon1.6K1:07:21MRK 8:22MRK 9:24In this sermon titled "Breaking the Strongholds in Your Family," the preacher emphasizes the unity of the gospel message. He highlights the central theme that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of humanity, offering new life and cleansing to those who believe in Him. The preacher encourages believers to live in the power of the Holy Spirit and to overcome strongholds in their families. He draws inspiration from the story of Caleb and Joshua in the Bible, emphasizing the need for strength, courage, and faith in claiming the promised land. The sermon also references the story of Jesus healing a blind man in Bethsaida, illustrating the importance of obedience and faith in following Jesus.
A Message for New York City
By Carter Conlon1.4K43:33New York City2SA 6:14PSA 149:3MAT 6:33MAT 11:12MAT 11:16MRK 8:22JHN 9:25In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of the current generation and their response to the word of God. He mentions the Billy Graham conferences in the 1950s, where many people came to know Jesus Christ. However, he also acknowledges that despite the preaching and the blessings, society is failing and becoming something other than what God intended. The preacher emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding and a genuine encounter with God, beyond cultural experiences. He encourages listeners to come to Jesus, who offers rest and invites them to learn from him. The sermon concludes with the promise that those who are humble and willing to seek God will experience the power of God in their generation.
Repentance From Unchristlikeness
By Zac Poonen77057:11JOB 42:5MRK 8:22
This sermon emphasizes the critical need for repentance in the Christian life, highlighting the importance of continuous repentance to see Jesus more clearly, distinguish between eternal and temporal things, and experience true spiritual growth. It warns against the deception of believing without repentance and calls for a humble and honest heart that is willing to turn from sin and seek God's cleansing and transformation.
When Society Begs Jesus to Touch His Church
By Carter Conlon63036:03MRK 8:22This sermon focuses on the story of Jesus healing a blind man in Bethsaida from Mark, Chapter 8, emphasizing the need for the church to regain its vision and passion for reaching the lost. It highlights the importance of not just seeking miracles but allowing God to renew our hearts and give us a deeper love for others. The message calls for a revival in the church, urging believers to see people through God's eyes and be moved by His love for them.
Seeing Through the Hands of Jesus
By Carter Conlon47549:26MRK 8:22This sermon is a powerful call to see people through the hands of Jesus, emphasizing the need for renewed vision and compassion in a time when many are spiritually blinded by societal influences. The message challenges believers to be led by Christ out of the influences of the world, to see people with God's eyes, and to be moved with compassion, commitment, and the power of Christ to make a difference in their generation.
Spiritual Blindness
By Bakht Singh02KI 6:17PSA 119:18MRK 8:22LUK 24:30HEB 4:2REV 3:18Bakht Singh preaches on spiritual blindness, using the story of Elisha's servant and other biblical examples to illustrate how earthly desires, greed, lies, and lack of faith can lead to spiritual blindness. He emphasizes the need for God to open our eyes to see heavenly things, the importance of clear spiritual vision for understanding God's Word, and the role of faith in receiving and understanding the Word of God.
I See Men, but They Look Like Trees Walking
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 5:7MRK 8:22JHN 4:201CO 3:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of not only experiencing supernatural encounters with God but also developing a clear vision of others through the eyes of divine mercy. He emphasizes that true encounters with God should lead to a transformation in how we see and interact with people around us, moving from distorted views to seeing them as God sees them. The sermon highlights the need for a second touch from Jesus to open our eyes to truly perceive others with love and compassion, ultimately leading us to a deeper understanding of God's love and mercy.
Typified in the New Testament
By Martin Knapp0MAT 3:11MAT 8:2MAT 9:2MAT 9:20MAT 9:27MAT 9:34MRK 8:22LUK 14:14ROM 1:3HEB 13:121PE 1:2Martin Knapp preaches about the significance of the Bible as a double blessing, with the Old Testament paving the way for the New Testament, both inspired by the Holy Ghost and essential for salvation. He emphasizes the importance of not minimizing one testament over the other. Knapp discusses the double dispensations, authorship, nature, baptism, bodily resurrection, and healing, illustrating the need for a Double Cure in spiritual life.
"Five Loaves and Two Fishes" Ch. 6:1-21
By Charles Alexander0PSA 107:23EZK 21:6MAT 15:32MRK 8:1MRK 8:22JHN 6:33In this sermon, the preacher delves into the significance of the miracles of the feeding of the five thousand and the walking on water in the Gospel of John, emphasizing the teaching nature of Christ's miracles carefully selected in John's Gospel. The feeding of the five thousand symbolizes Christ as the Bread of Life, while the walking on water displays His divine power and control over all things. The preacher also highlights the connection between these miracles and the Old Testament, particularly Elisha's miracle in 2 Kings 4, to reveal the profound lessons being taught about the New Covenant and the time of Christ's kingdom. The sermon further explores the feeding of the four thousand, the healing of the deaf and speechless man, and the blind man in Mark's Gospel, illustrating the rejection of Israel and the transition to the New Covenant.
The Gradual Healing of the Blind Man
By Alexander Maclaren0Spiritual GrowthFaithMRK 8:22Alexander Maclaren explores the unique miracle of the gradual healing of the blind man, emphasizing Christ's method of isolating the man, using tangible means, and accommodating the pace of healing to the man's faith. He highlights that Christ's miracles were not merely displays of power but expressions of His compassionate heart, aimed at fostering faith. The gradual nature of the healing serves as a metaphor for spiritual growth, where understanding and faith develop over time. Maclaren encourages believers to seek solitude with Christ to deepen their faith and experience His transformative power. Ultimately, the sermon illustrates that our expectations and desires shape our spiritual journey and the blessings we receive from God.
Mark 8:22-26. He Cures a Blind Man by Touching Him Twice.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MRK 8:22LUK 10:13JHN 9:61CO 13:12EPH 1:18Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the gradual manner in which Jesus cured the blind man, highlighting the interesting circumstances surrounding the miracle, such as the man being led out of Bethsaida before his sight was fully restored. Jesus' kind manner in leading the blind man reflects how many are guided by Him towards conversion without fully understanding the process. The use of outward means by Jesus to cure the blind man emphasizes the power of Christ to open the eyes of unbelievers through even the simplest actions.
Seeing Our City - Acts 18:10
By Jon Courson0MRK 8:22LUK 2:10ACT 5:28ACT 8:6ACT 18:9Jon Courson emphasizes the importance of seeing people through the eyes of the Lord, just as Paul saw the potential in the morally depraved people of Corinth. He challenges believers to not pull away from their communities but to envision, invade, and enjoy being city-takers for Christ. By conversing and sharing the Gospel boldly, believers can fill their cities with the doctrine of Jesus Christ, leading to great joy and transformation in their neighborhoods.
A Blind Man Cured
By J.C. Ryle0Patience in FaithSpiritual GrowthMRK 8:22J.C. Ryle preaches on the miracle of a blind man being cured by Jesus, emphasizing the unique and gradual nature of the healing process. He notes that while Jesus could have healed the man instantly, He chose to do so in stages, illustrating the spiritual journey of believers who often begin with a limited understanding of faith. Ryle draws parallels between the man's gradual restoration of sight and the way the Holy Spirit works in the conversion of souls, highlighting that true clarity in spiritual matters often comes with time and maturity. He encourages believers to remain patient and hopeful, as ultimate clarity will be achieved in the presence of Christ. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and trust in God's timing.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
They bring a blind man unto him - Christ went about to do good, and wherever he came he found some good to be done; and so should we, if we had a proper measure of the same zeal and love for the welfare of the bodies and souls of men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And he cometh to Bethsaida--Bethsaida Julias, on the northeast side of the take, whence after this He proceeded to CÃ&brvbrsarea Philippi (Mar 8:27). and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him--See on Mar 7:32.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he cometh to Bethsaida,.... The city of Andrew, Peter, and Philip, Joh 1:44; a fishing town, which was situated by the sea of Galilee. Beza's ancient copy, and the Gothic version, wrongly read "Bethany". The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "they came"; Christ, and his twelve apostles, who landed at this place: and they bring a blind man unto him; for Christ had been here before, and was known by the inhabitants of the place; who, as soon as they heard of his arrival, and knowing what miracles were done by him, brought a poor blind man, of their town, to him, to be cured by him: and besought him to touch him; having heard of, or seen cures performed by him this way. This man is an emblem of such who are spiritually blind: he had no natural sight at all; he could see nothing; he had not the least glimmering of any thing, until he was touched by Christ: so men, in a state of nature, are quite dark, even darkness itself, until they are made light by the Lord: they have no sight, nor sense of themselves, of their sinful, lost, and dangerous estate and condition they are in; they know not because they are blind, that they are wretched, and poor, and miserable, and naked: they have no sight of Christ, neither of the glory of his person, nor of the fulness of his grace, nor of the nature, necessity, and suitableness of his salvation: they are quite blind as to any saving knowledge of God in Christ, the way of life and peace by him, and the work of the Spirit of God upon the soul; or with regard to any spiritual experience of the power of Gospel truths, or views of the glories of another world: and as this man seemed to be unconcerned himself about the cure of his blindness, only his friends were affected with his case, and brought him to Christ, and solicited a cure, so it is with unregenerate men, they are insensible of their case, and so thoughtless of it, and unaffected with it, and do not, of themselves, seek for a deliverance out of it; nor do they make use of means for that purpose; but it becomes their friends, relations, and acquaintance, that are spiritual, who know their case, and their need of Christ, and his grace, to bring them to him under the means, and pray unto him, that he would put forth the mighty power of his grace upon them, and give them spiritual sight to see in what a lost condition they are, and their need of him.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This cure is related only by this evangelist, and there is something singular in the circumstances. I. Here is a blind man brought to Christ by his friends, with a desire that he would touch him, Mar 8:22. Here appears the faith of those that brought him - they doubted not but that one touch of Christ's hand would recover him his sight; but the man himself showed not that earnestness for, or expectation of, a cure that other blind men did. If those that are spiritually blind, do not pray for themselves, yet let their friends and relations pray for them, that Christ would be pleased to touch them. II. Here is Christ leading this blind man, Mar 8:23. He did not bid his friends lead him, but (which bespeaks his wonderful condescension) he himself took him by the hand, and led him, to teach us to be as Job was, eyes to the blind, Job 29:15. Never had poor blind man such a Leader. He led him out of the town. Had he herein only designed privacy, he might have led him into a house, into an inner chamber, and have cured him there; but he intended hereby to upbraid Bethsaida with the mighty works that had in vain been done in her (Mat 11:21), and was telling her, in effect, she was unworthy to have any more done within her walls. Perhaps Christ took the blind man out of the town, that he might have a larger prospect in the open fields, to try his sight with, than he could have in the close streets. III. Here is the cure of the blind man, by that blessed Oculist, who came into the world to preach the recovering of sight to the blind (Luk 4:18), and to give what he preached. In this cure we may observe, 1. That Christ used a sign; he spat on his eyes (spat into them, so some), and put his hand upon him. He could have cured him, as he did others, with a word speaking, but thus he was pleased to assist his faith which was very weak, and to help him against his unbelief. And this spittle signified the eye-salve wherewith Christ anoints the eyes of those that are spiritually blind, Rev 3:18. 2. That the cure was wrought gradually, which was not usual in Christ's miracles. He asked him if he saw aught, Mar 8:23. Let him tell what condition his sight was in, for the satisfaction of those about him. And he looked up; so far he recovered his sight, that he could open his eyes, and he said, I see men as trees walking; he could not distinguish men from trees, otherwise than he could discern them to move. He had some glimmerings of sight, and betwixt him and the sky could perceive a man erect like a tree, but could not discern the form thereof, Job 4:16. But, 3. It was soon completed; Christ never doeth his work by the halves, nor leaves it till he can say, It is finished. He put his hands again upon his eyes, to disperse the remaining darkness, and then bade him look up again, and he saw every man clearly, Mar 8:25. Now Christ took this way, (1.) Because he would not tie himself to a method, but would show with what liberty he acted in all he did. He did not cure by rote, as I may say, and in a road, but varied as he thought fit. Providence gains the same end in different ways, that men may attend its motions with an implicit faith. (2.) Because it should be to the patient according to his faith; and perhaps this man's faith was at first very weak, but afterward gathered strength, and accordingly his cure was. Not that Christ always went by this rule, but thus he would sometimes put a rebuke upon those who came to him, doubting. (3.) Thus Christ would show how, and in what method, those are healed by his grace, who by nature are spiritually blind; at first, their knowledge is confused, they see men as trees walking; but, like the light of the morning, it shines more and more to the perfect day, and then they see all things clearly, Pro 4:18. Let us enquire then, if we see aught of those things which faith is the substance and evidence of; and if through grace we see any thing of them, we may hope that we shall see yet more and more, for Jesus Christ will perfect for ever those that are sanctified. IV. The directions Christ gave the man he had cured, not to tell it to any in the town of Bethsaida, nor so much as to go into the town, where probably there were some expecting him to come back, who had seen Christ lead him out of the town, but, having been eyewitnesses of so many miracles, had not so much as the curiosity to follow him: let not those be gratified with the sight of him when he was cured, who would not show so much respect to Christ as to go a step out of the town, to see this cure wrought. Christ doth not forbid him to tell it to others, but he must not tell it to any in the town. Slighting Christ's favours is forfeiting them; and Christ will make those know the worth of their privileges by the want of them, that would not know them otherwise. Bethsaida, in the day of her visitation, would not know the things that belonged to her peace, and now they are hid from her eyes. They will not see, and therefore shall not see.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:22-26 Earlier, Jesus and the disciples set out unsuccessfully for Bethsaida (6:45); here, they arrive, and Jesus heals a blind man. Only Mark has this two-part healing; it might connect with the opening of the disciples’ spiritual eyes in the next account (8:27-38). • John 1:44 identifies Bethsaida as the home of Peter, Andrew, James, and John (see also John 12:21). This small fishing village, although technically part of Gaulanitis, was generally considered part of Galilee (John 12:21). It was relocated and given status as a city by Philip the Tetrarch (Josephus, Antiquities 18.2.1).