The lion of St Mark

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Healing of a Blind Man: Mk 8,22b-26

In the boat Jesus asked the disciple if they have eyes which do not see and ears which do not hear (8,18). As we discovered, this is a verse unique to Mark. We have had the ears with the healing of the deaf man (7,32-37) which we have already read. Now we have the eyes with this healing of a blind man (8,22-26). What is similar about the two healings? Can we draw a conclusion?

Can you spot something missing in this episode (the NRSV footnote gives the clue)?

Where is Bethsaida (8,22a)? What can we say about the blind man in contrast to the deaf man?

We can note the similarity of means in verse 23 with the earlier healing, 7,33. Why does Jesus ask a question here?

Verse 24 is a contrast to 7,35. Is there a deeper significance here because a second stage in the healing is needed in verse 25?

Verse 26 is a familiar dismissal.

Now consider my response.

Review: Mk 6,30-8,26

We have now arrived at the major turning point in the Gospel. In the next episode we are told that Jesus and the disciples go to Caesarea Philippi (8,27). Before we consider that, We need to pause for a review.

We have noted two "complicated" healings by Jesus for the deaf mute and the blind man. Look ahead to 10,46-52. What part in particular does the healing of this blind man have in the unfolding of the Gospel story?

We saw in the overview how there is a parallel arrangement of episodes from 6,34 to 8,26.

Look at the role of the boat in this part of the Gospel (from 6,30). How many incidents are based on a boat? What might be its symbolism compared to, for example, a house?

Look as well at the importance of bread in this part of the Gospel. You might be able to look through 6,30-8,26 and count the appearances of the word. Note too how occurrences are clustered. Then take a look at 14,22.

Now consider my response.

Now we have seen the role of the healing of the blind man, we can follow Jesus and his disciples to Caesarea Philippi, 8,27-9,1.