Open Your Eyes

October 1, 2023
Pastor Jack

blurry image of a group of people

Mark 8:22-30

And they came to Bethsaida. And they brought to him a blind man and implored him that he would touch him. And he took hold of the blind man’s hand and led him outside the village, and after spitting in his eyes, he placed his hands on him and asked him, “Do you see anything?” And looking up he said, “I see people, for I see them like trees walking around.” Then he placed his hands on his eyes again, and he opened his eyes and was cured, and could see everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.” And Jesus and his disciples went out to the villages of Caesarea Philippi, and on the way he asked his disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, saying, “John the Baptist, and others Elijah, and others that you are one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to him, “You are the Christ!” And he warned them that they should tell no one about him.

Vision Makes a Difference

Verses 22-26

  • Friends bring a blind man to Jesus
  • His view was distorted
  • Jesus heals him completely and sends him away

Questions for Reflection

  • Why do you you think Jesus might have led the blind man outside the villiage?
  • When Jesus asked him the first time, “Do you see anything?“,
    • What was the man’s response?
    • Do we ever see people in this way?
  • Do you think there is any significance to Jesus sending him home and telling him to not go into the village?

Verses 27-30

  • Jesus takes His disciples a little way down the road
  • Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say I AM?”
  • Peter declares “You are the Messiah!”

Questions for Reflection

  • “Who do people say that I am?”
    • What is Jesus asking?
    • Who do people today say Jesus is?
  • “But who do you say that I am?”
    • What is Peter’s response?
    • Look at Matthew 16:17. Where did Jesus say that Peter got his understanding?
  • Why might Jesus have told them to tell no one?

Big Questions

  • Do you see clearly?
  • Do you recognize the humanity in those around you or do you sometimes see “walking trees”?
  • Once our eyes are opened,
    • How should our actions chamge?
    • What are we expected to do?
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