Read Mark 8:22-26
This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Year of Supernatural Manifestation”, with our mini-series on “The Miracles of Jesus.” A few messages ago I dealt with the miracle of Jesus healing a deaf man who could not speak. After Jesus healed this man, in a very creative way (putting His fingers in the man’s ears and applying saliva to his tongue), Jesus traveled to Bethsaida where He would encounter a like situation. Once again, a group of people brought a man to Jesus to be healed. This time it was a blind man and similar to what Jesus did with the deaf man, He took him away from the others. Jesus led the man outside of the village.
The blind man could hear, so I am sure the people who brought him to Jesus had already told him of the many great miracles Jesus performed. He was there because he believed he was going to receive his sight. So when Jesus personally escorted the man out of town, I am sure his expectations were high! So there they were: a blind man and Jesus, all alone. Jesus then applied saliva to the man’s eyes. Some translations say Jesus “spit on his eyes”. After doing so, Jesus asked, “Can you see now?” This is unusual. In most miracles, as soon as Jesus touches or prays, the power of God is manifested and the people respond immediately. This man did not do anything, so Jesus asked him if he could see. The man said, “Yes, I see people. They look like trees walking around.” So Jesus did, with this man, what He had not done in any other miracle. Jesus laid hands on the man again. Jesus gave the man a “second touch”. This time the man was completely healed; he saw everything clear and bright.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. God can touch you in public and in private.
a) Jesus took the deaf man who could not speak aside with Him, away from everyone else. Jesus took the blind man in our text all the way out of town, so He could be alone with him. The point is that there are times when God ministers to us in public and there are times when He prefers to do so in private. Don’t be afraid of public ministry and cherish the times when God fellowships with you in private.
b) Public ministry serves as a sign for others, but private ministry provides us the intimacy that is often required for us to open up to God in ways that we simply would not do in public.
c) The blind man in our text was touched by God in a one-on-one session with Jesus. Likewise, we can be touched in a moment of intimacy as well. God can give you your breakthrough at church, in front of everyone else, but He can also do it at home, while you are by yourself, in your prayer closet. So enjoy both your public and private times with God.
2. Be open to however God wants to do it!
a) Just because it is strange, it does not mean it is not from God. Jesus used saliva with the deaf man and He used it with the blind man in our text. Some believe, and I agree, that the saliva might have been used to moisten and remove the crust from the blind man’s eyes. The crust would have been an obstacle to the man opening his eyes, hence a hindrance to him receiving his sight. Once the was obstacle removed, the man could open his eyes and explain what he saw. Now, whether or not you believe the saliva had anything to do with crust, I think most people will agree that it was a bit strange. Some translation say Jesus spit on the man’s eyes. Strange or not, be ready for God to move, however He chooses to do so!
b) God often does strange things TO us and requires strange things OF us in our journey with Him.
c) Just because something does not line up with the proper etiquette or protocol, it does not mean it is not from God. Whatever God tells you to do, no matter how strange it may seem, do it in obedience and receive your breakthrough!
3. Sometimes the manifestation comes in a progressive way.
a) Today’s miracle (Mark 22-26), is the only progressive miracle performed by Jesus recorded in scripture. While this man seemingly required and therefore received a second touch from God, I think we can all agree that we often require multiple touches from God.
b) Most of the time Jesus’ miracles were examples of the immediate manifestation of God’s power. In this case the man needed a second touch. The power of God was applied to his eyes twice before he was able to see clearly. Sometimes your healing is immediate and instantaneous. Other times it is manifested in a progressive way. Either way, thank God for His healing and receive it however it is manifested in your life.
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. I am determined to experience You this year like never before. My heart is open to receive whatever You want to do in my life, however You want to do it. You can do it in public or in private; as a single touch or a series of touches. I refuse to put stipulations on You Father. I love You. I follow You. I pursue my purpose. I walk with You daily. And whatever You want to do in my life, I am open and ready to receive. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
