John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace,” was not physically blind. In fact, he was a slave trader whose mother initially taught him about the love of God. He wandered into error for a season, but after a series of events, his perspective shifted at a molecular level, transforming who he was. This was not just an outward behavioral change; it was internal, and everyone could see it externally. He no longer walked or talked as before; he belonged to a different master, if you will. John went from being a slave trader to a prominent abolitionist against slave trading as proof that God can change anybody when allowed to open their eyes. In our passage, we see something like what happened to John Newton played out before our eyes.
“Do you see anything?”
Mark 8:23
An Encounter with God can change anyone at the molecular level.
This is a classic Markan sandwich, Mark’s way of interrupting one story with another, then telling a third story to secure a central point. In this passage, we see a very tender, loving, and personal encounter with one man. Although it’s more than likely that Pharisees were present who had just demanded a sign and were refused. His disciples were present, whom Jesus had just reprimanded for lacking understanding. A crowd clamors, shouting, “Touch him!” Jesus took the blind man by the hand, meeting him at his level of dependency, and led him away from the crowd. Jesus will sometimes lead you away from your typical crowd to give you clarity.
Think back with me to the exodus from Egypt, the bible tells us God had to come in and take the children of Israel as one son, by the hand, and lead them out. Similarly, in this situation, we have physical touch and leading away, but we also see unconventional methods. The Old Testament may have been based on obedience and law, but Jesus came to give us this more abundant and eternal life, which is unconventional. When Jesus spat on the ground and touched the man the first time, it was not by mistake or error, and God is too perfect to need to do anything twice; everything is symbolic. The first touch was the most important for the man who saw with spiritual insight, and the second touch was natural. Just as He intentionally anointed the man’s eyes physically, He doesn’t always lead us in the same ways we may have observed Him leading others, although the outcome is the same.
He still anoints our eyes today, and no one is outside of His domain that He can’t reach. Jesus gave the man special instructions after He’d gone through all the work to take him away from the crowd. Don’t go back to the city, just go home. In other words, everything God does for us is not about showing it off to the world. Sometimes it’s simply about living on mission with purpose. Years ago, my friend Mr. Austin, who was legally blind but spiritually clear, showed me what living on mission looks like. Many times, I saw him in public, and I had to hold his hand and lead him gently, just as I would my children at that time. Although I called him at any time of day or night, what shone out brightest was his call to live on mission. The most important sight isn’t physical at all; it’s spiritual understanding.
This passage reminds me that our greatest need may not be a physical miracle, but an inner shift. We often want God to change our surroundings, finances, or relationships, but first, He wants to change how we see people and our purpose. The man didn’t ask for healing; the crowd did, but his willingness to go with Jesus shows a deeper desire. Jesus knew what he needed, just as He knows exactly what we truly need. I’m challenged to ask: Am I willing to leave the crowd behind in order to see clearly? I’m comforted by the idea that God still takes us by the hand, patiently, and reveals things layer by layer. Transformation is real.
Time of Reflection:
** Sometimes spiritual blindness isn’t cured in a moment but requires full surrender to Jesus’ process.
** God may lead you away from familiar environments just to help you see clearly.
Heart- Probe moment:
** What perspective is Jesus trying to change in me before He gives me the clarity I’m asking for?
Scripture References:
Mark 8:22-26
Ps. 1:3
Is. 61.3
Ex. 13:3
John 19:39
Eph. 1:18
2 Cor 4:6
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You more clearly, more visibly and more fully. Lead me out from whatever hinders me and settle me in Your divine plan and purpose for my life. Help me not to settle with blurred vision, or incomplete perspectives that are erroneous. Let me see people as You do. May I follow as You lead today and always. Thank You for choosing not just to leave the manopp spiritually blind and head him only in the natural, and thank You for not leaving me naturally blind only healing me in the spiritual realm. In You clarity isn’t only possible, it’s promised in Jesus’ name.
