When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man’s eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, “Can you see anything now?” The man looked around. “Yes,” he said, “I see people, but I can’t see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes again, and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly. Jesus sent him away, saying, “Don’t go back into the village on your way home.” [Mark 8.22-26]
The thing that stands out to me today is the fact that Jesus led this guy out of the village. What was that about? Then, this question becomes even more important when after completely healing the man, Jesus told him NOT to go back into the village.
The village.
I am sure there is even more to this story than this, but, suffice it to say, the "village" was evidently a key factor in the man's blindness. The fact that Christ Himself laid hands on him twice for him to be completely restored indicates the severity of whatever hold the village had on the man!
What was going on in that village?
Could this story be telling us that our village may be preventing us from experiencing God's blessings? It certainly does not refute the possibility!
It will be up to each reader to determine what his or her own "village" is. However, I suggest a long look at Jesus' repeated discussions about "eyes to see" (as well as ears to hear) when considering that the "village" played a role in keeping the man from "seeing." I would be amiss not to mention here that "eyes to see" is a part of what idolatry prevents.
Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 115.4-8]
The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot breathe. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. [Psalm 135.15-18]
But again, the "village" must be reconciled with. What is my village that keeps me from God's blessings?
Rather than pursuing some mystical "easter egg hunt," it is most important in this story to understand that the man was led by Jesus' hand out of the village. Whatever our "village" is, we will only get out of it by holding Jesus' hand.
Father, once again, I am blown away from the truth of Your Word. But, I need not to just be emotionally blown away - I need to allow Jesus to lead me away from my "village" that keeps me blind - unhealed - unaffected by His touch! Help me allow Jesus to take my hand and lead me... So be it.
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