Mark 8:22-30
22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
Jesus is back on Jewish soil.
Bethsaida was a fishing town that the disciples were familiar with.
Although the synagogue leaders are actively attacking Jesus, the crowds are still in awe of Him. So they bring to Him a blind man.
Then Jesus does something unusual, He takes the man by the hand outside of the village, spits on his eyes, and puts his hands on him.
Then, the blind man says that he sees people but they look like trees walking around. What is that about!?
His vision is still clouded. He needs one more touch from the Lord to fully gain sight.
25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”
So then Jesus puts his hands on Him once again.
Then, everything was made well. He could see clearly.
So Jesus sends this man home but asked him to not go through the village as the keep this miracle a secret.
Mark has placed this story here so that we may understand better the one that’s about to unfold.
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” 28 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
Now Jesus takes his disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi. A city built by Philip (Son of Herod the Great) in honor of Caesar. The city was formerly known as “Panias” in honor of the god Pan (where we get the word “panic” from).
Like with the blind man, Jesus takes his disciples outside of the bustling and hustling of the city.
He doesn’t ask them about His identity for his sake/curiosity. But rather, because He knows that the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod moves fast. Jesus wants to move even faster.
All of the three answers only present Jesus a mere man. To be sure, a powerful one, but a man nonetheless.
29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
“What about you?” Regardless of the public opinion, who do you say I am?
What are some common views of Jesus nowadays?