Mark 8:22 Commentary and Bible Study

(Synoptics: Mark 8:22-26) Mark alone records this next miracle, and it is unlike all other miracles in one particular respect. It is the only miracles where the healing is not completed immediately but involves a second touch of Christ to perfect the cure. Why is this? Did Christ attempt a cure initially and fail in some respect? Of course not, otherwise he would not have been able to do many other healings (including giving sight to the blind), and even to raise the dead. He did these at a word instantly. We need to pay the closest attention to the way Christ works, and there is deep instruction in this twofold touch. It teaches us about the stages involved in Christ’s dealings with a soul, and in salvation. Here is a wonderful lesson, apart from anything else, in pastoral theology, and the nature of conversion, and the relationship between regeneration and illumination. Particularly there is a message for all who have never yet come to Christ and sought him. We can connect this with what is recorded in the preceding verses in Mark. In verse 21 we read that Christ said to the disciples, ‘How is it that ye do not understand?’ He was referring to the failure of the disciples to understand his meaning when he warned them to beware of the leaven, the false teaching, of the Pharisees. They thought, for some extraordinary reason that he was reproving them for not having taken bread aboard the boat before they sailed. Of course he knew the answer to his question, but he challenges them: ‘Do you understand yourselves?’ How is it that ye did not understand that he could produce food if desired, just at will. They had given up all. They had grasped that he was special, that he was the Messiah. They realised that he knew all things, that he had these great powers, that he fulfilled many of the prophecies. They loved him; they followed him. You could say that their eyes were in a measure opened. Had they been regenerated by the Spirit of God? That is to say, had God put in life into their hearts to open them up to readiness to receive and recognise Christ? Surely so. The work of God had begun in their hearts without doubt. And yet there was much that they still didn't grasp. They would not for example grasp Calvary, the atonement, and the resurrection, until these things took place and happened. Then, the illumination, following their regeneration, would, as it were, be complete. When carrying out his previous healings in the town, in the large village, of Bethsaida, he had touched people. He didn't always do that, but that was the experience of Bethsaida. The touch accompanying the word of power from Christ. So now they naturally want him to touch the blind man in order to restore his sight.