Mark 8:22–26 (KJV)
[22] And HE cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto HIM, and besought HIM to touch him. [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. [24] And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
[25] After that HE put HIS hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. [26] And HE sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
Introduction
Discipleship is not a single step or occurrence. It is a journey. In Mark chapter 8, we read the story of JESUS healing a blind man at Bethsaida. We see a pattern of grace that reflects how HE works in our own lives. The journey of discipleship involves being carried when we are weak, being touched by HIS power, being led out of familiar places, being questioned about our condition, being touched again when clarity is still forming, and finally being sent to walk in obedience.
This passage reminds us that we are always acceptable in HIS sight (even in the moments when our vision is incomplete). As we look at each movement in this passage, we discover the stages of growth, grace, and guidance that mark the true walk of a disciple.
Being Carried
The blind man didn’t come to JESUS on his own; “they” brought him. Sometimes it’s easy to hide behind excuses of why we’re not intimate with GOD. Even when you think you don’t have a village that cares about your spiritual welfare, GOD still provides a “they” to carry you closer to HIM. Your “they” may be a song, a Scripture, a sermon, or a Spirit-filled reminder. You are never left without access to JESUS.
Being Touched
The man needed the touch of JESUS to be healed of his blindness. So do we. Spiritual blindness cannot be cured by human strength or wisdom. It requires HIS divine touch, HIS power, HIS hand. If JESUS takes you anywhere, HE’ll touch you so that HE can lead you.
Being Led
JESUS led the man out of the town before healing him. In a world where everyone is quick to grab their phone to capture a “clickable” moment, sometimes GOD has to lead us away from familiar surroundings, unhealthy influences, or places of unbelief before HE can fully work in us. Never underestimate the fruit of intimacy with GOD. HE meets us where we are, but HE leads us where we need to be.
Being Questioned
JESUS asked, “Do you see anything?” Of course, HE knew the answer, but HE wanted the man to verbalize his condition. Any intimate relationship requires communication. GOD wants us to participate in our journey by sharing our perspectives. Discipleship invites us to be honest about where we are. GOD wants us to confess when things are blurry, frustrating, confusing, disappointing, and incomplete. Let HIM know when we see only “men as trees walking.”
Being Touched Again
The man wasn’t fully healed at first. It took another touch for him to see clearly. Our journey with CHRIST is the same: a process of repeated touches. Each prayer, each encounter, each step with HIM brings more clarity. If we walk with HIM and talk with HIM, HE’ll continue to touch us. HE wants ongoing communication with us. Even if we’re displeased or unclear about what we think our walk with HIM shows. The grace of GOD will remind us that we are always acceptable in HIS sight, even in the in-between places of partial vision.
Being Sent
Once vision was restored, JESUS sent him on his way, instructing him not to return to the town. Discipleship requires discipline. HE orders our steps to where vision is clear. HE instructed him to “tell no one” because sometimes a clearer vision may not be palatable to all. Our obedience to where GOD sends us communicates our trust in HIM, and while we may leave the tangible presence of GOD, we remain connected through obedience. Because that is the proper location where you will receive your next touch.
This story reminds us that discipleship is simply a movement of grace:
Being carried → Touched → Led → Questioned → Touched again → Sent.
The journey of discipleship is not instant, it’s progressive. Through it all, HIS truth remains consistent: we are always acceptable in HIS sight.
Dearest FATHER,
We receive this Word as a roadmap to discipleship. Thank YOU that even when we cannot carry ourselves, YOU provide a “they” to bring us closer to YOU. We welcome YOUR touch on our blindness and will follow as YOU lead us away from what hinders us. We will strive to be honest when YOU question us and will wait for YOUR touch again to see more clearly. We will walk in obedience, knowing that we are always acceptable in YOUR sight. Bless the LORD, O my soul, for the journey is in YOUR hands and YOUR touch.