Why Twice?

Mark 8 (ESV)
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

Have you ever considered why Jesus had to make two attempts to heal this blind man? Why wasn't the blind man completely healed on the first attempt?

Was it because Jesus didn't have the ability to do it on the first try?

We believe that Jesus is God, and that God is all powerful, so what is up with this account?

It comes down to we don't know. We can look at clues though. It was not the blind man who sought Jesus, but his friends. This blind man MAY have not believed Jesus was able to do anything. He MAY have just gone with Jesus to prove that this Man was just a fake and couldn't do anything.

Then something amazing happened, Jesus revealed just a little of Himself to the man. Just enough for this man to realize that Jesus had some power. Think about the story, why would Jesus have to ask if the man saw anything if Jesus knew He completely healed him?

The blind man received sight, but it was blurred. What do you think was his opinion of Jesus now? "Wow! I can see better, maybe this guy is for real." And I truly doubt that he was put off because he didn't get all his sight. It was probably just enough to spark some faith, because when Jesus touched him again he saw everything clearly. And if you remember Jesus told several people it was their faith that healed them.

How's your faith? Have you been touched that first time so that you know Jesus is for real? And if you have, do you now allow Jesus to open things up so you can see clearly? Take this a step further, are you in any conflicts now? And how many conflicts are the result of misperceptions (not seeing clearly)? Ask the Lord whom you trusted your life in to open your eyes so that you may see that situation clearly.