Deity and Humility - Mark 7-8

Mark 8:22-26 (ESV)

And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

The above miracle and the one of Jesus hearing the deaf man in Mark 7:31-37, are only found in the Gospel of Mark. In both of these miracles Jesus takes the person aside, privately and uses spit in some part of the miracle.   There is nothing we know of the Jesus using His own spit.  It seems to be just a way to convey in picture form Jesus transferring His power to this situation. 

Taking the men away privately seems to serve two purposes:

1. One purpose was for those in the villages who brought the deaf and blind man to Him.  Jesus was already wanting to make sure the religious leaders were not too quick to take Jesus by force.  There was a time for His death and resurrection, but not now.

2. Another purpose would be to teach the disciples.  After each miracle, Jesus uses the moment to do some teaching.   

Both miracles required the man to believe in Jesus.   Both required the man to leave and not tell anyone.  But they did any how.   

These two miracles show us the power of Jesus and display His deity.   It also displays His humility.  He was not doing these things to make a name for Himself.  He was doing these things to glorify His Father and to educate His disciples.  When we read these miracles we are to see both His deity and humility.  We are to recognize His power but also that He is meek in the use of that power.  Jesus didn’t need to flex to prove anything.  Our walk with Him is to be the same.  We don’t need to flex and proclaim our fame.  Jesus didn’t do it, neither do we.