On Sunday we came to the continental divide in the book of Mark. In Mark 1:1 he began his gospel saying, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark has been portraying Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) for 8 chapters. And for the first time on truly human lips, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ! Of course this climax and profound confession comes in the context of spiritual blindness. The Pharisees were blind, the disciples still couldn’t see, and now there is a man that was actually physically blind. All of this led us to the truth that only Jesus can heal us of our blindness so that we can see Him for who He is. The story of the healing of the blind man was an illustration of how Jesus heals and saves us all. You can listen to or download the message here. I hope these questions help you apply God’s word to your life.
1. We began with the kindness of our Savior toward this man. What are your thoughts about how Jesus healed this man? What does this show you about the heart of Jesus?
2. How does this healing point to something greater? What is the spiritual significance of this healing?
3. What were the circumstances surrounding the moment Jesus opened your eyes to see Him and believe the gospel?
4. What is the significance of the progressive (two-stage) healing? After the first touch, this man was no longer blind, but he still couldn’t see clearly. How does this relate to our spiritual life? In what areas of your life are you still not seeing everything clearly? When will this change? How does this reality inform how you relate to other Christians?
5. How would you describe your faith for Jesus to continue to heal people? Do you pray for healing? What would change or growth look like?
6. How would you describe the personal love and care of Jesus toward you? Do you believe He is near, attentive, and personally caring for you? Or do you feel He is distant, cold or uncaring? Why or why not?
One day we will see everything clearly! We will see our Savior face to face! Faith will no longer be needed, but instead we will dwell in the light of the glory of God forever! And Christ has made this possible for us through His death and resurrection.
I pray you will have a grace-filled week,
Eric