MARK 8:10-26

MARK 8:10-26

MARK 8:10-13 - Returning to the western side of the lake, in the region of Dalmanutha, or Magadan, Jesus was met by some caviling Pharisees, who, ignoring all the marvellous works that He had performed, now came asking for a sign from heaven to authenticate His Messiahship. They were set in their attitude of enmity against Him whom God had sent to redeem Israel. Leaving them to their unbelief and hardness of heart the Lord departed again to the other side of the lake; that is, to the region of Bethsaida Julias; for there were two cities called Bethsaida, one on the western, and the other on the northern side of the Sea of Galilee.  

MARK 8:14-21 - The Lord took occasion to warn them, when He knew their perplexity, to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the leaven of Herod. Conscience-smitten because of their carelessness in not having made proper provision for the needs of the group, the disciples leaped to the conclusion that it was a warning not to purchase bread from the parties mentioned. But the Lord made it clear that by using the term leaven He referred to the doctrines or principles of these religious and political systems, which, being corrupt, wrought corruption in all who imbibed these doctrines. The leaven of the Pharisees was hypocrisy and self-righteousness. The leaven of Herod was political chicanery and worldliness. 

MARK 8:22-26 - This miracle was of an exceptional character. So far as the record goes it is the only instance where healing was only partial at first and not instantaneous. He then put His hands upon him and asked him if he was able to see. The man exclaimed, “I see men as trees, walking.” Sight was but partially restored. He could behold different objects but could distinguish men from trees only by their walking. Once more Jesus placed His hands upon the man’s eyes and bade him look up. Now he was healed completely, and he saw every man clearly.

Just why healing was not immediate, we are not told, possibly because of lack of perfect faith on the part of the blind man or his friends.