What Can You See?

Scripture

Revelation 3:18 ESV

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

245 - More About Jesus

326 - Open My Eyes That I May See

Introduction

Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now

The Eye Salve

Laodicea was home to a renowned medical school, attracting scholars and practitioners from various regions. This contributed to the development of advanced medical practices and treatments.

The city produced a specific eye ointment, often referred to as "phrygian powder," which was believed to treat various eye conditions, including ailments like blindness and infections. This salve was made from a combination of ingredients, possibly including herbs and minerals known for their healing properties.

Phrygia

See Map

Phrygia was an ancient region located in the central part of modern-day Turkey. It was bordered by several other ancient regions and played a significant role in various historical events.

Phrygia was situated to the west of the central Anatolian plateau, bordered by Bithynia to the north, Lydia to the west, and Galatia to the east.

Important cities in Phrygia included Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Apamea. Laodicea, in particular, was a significant urban center known for its wealth and medical advancements.

The 5 Stage Miracle

Mark 8:22–26 ESV

22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 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?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

Spittle (Saliva)

Spittle in Other Cultures

The use of spittle as a healing agent was not unique to the Bible. Many ancient cultures believed that saliva contained magical properties, and it was often used in rituals and ceremonies. For example, in some cultures, mothers would use spittle to cleanse their children's eyes and protect them from evil spirits.

The Significance of Spittle in the Bible

The presence of spittle in the Bible, though seemingly unusual, is deeply symbolic. It reflects the complex beliefs and practices of ancient cultures, where bodily fluids held significant meaning. While spittle may represent contempt and rejection in certain contexts, it also symbolizes the power of God to heal and cleanse. These contrasting interpretations highlight the intricate nature of biblical symbolism and provide fascinating insight into the ancient world.

A Unique Miracle

It is only mentioned in the book of Mark

It is the only miracle that happened gradually

This was a miracle in stages because of the blind mans imperfect faith.

Stage I (Jesus Leads Him)

Mark 8:23 ESV

23 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?”

Every true conversion begins with Jesus leading us away from sin

This blind man had to be led away from the words of doubt, redicule and shame.

This miracle required intimacy and the building of trust.

Before Jesus could ask the question “do you see anything?” There was another question - a silent question, perhaps - “do you trust me?”

Stage II (Jesus Spits)

Mark 8:23 ESV

23 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?”

Jesus uses spit 3 times when healing and two of those times is in mentioned in Ch. 7 of Mark and this chapter (Ch. 8)

Mike Todd

OT viewed spitting as detestable Job 30:10

The Talmud, which contained Jewish laws that were the equivalent to Bible commentaries today, recognised saliva as a healer.

In some cultures, mothers would use spit to cleanse their children's eyes believing it would protect them from evil spirits.

Pliny the Elder The Roman naturalist and writer Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) who was contemporary with Jesus has a whole chapter in his Natural History He mentions in 28.7: “lichens and leprous spots may be remedied by early morning application of fasting spittle….eyes may be cured by early morning fasting spittle.”

For me Jesus uses spit as an act of intimacy in other words the silent question being asked is “do you trust me?”

Think about it, how many of you would let anyone near your eyes, if something is in my only my wife or a close friend would I allow to either look or blow to remove the object.

Stage III (Jesus Asks A Question)

Mark 8:23 ESV

23 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?”

God asks questions not for his benefit, but for your benefit.

Note the question “do you see anything?” not “do you see clearly?”

I can see without my glasses, but can I see clearly?

There are many of us who see Jesus, but do we see him clearly? Do you see Him as a kind and loving Saviour? Do you see him when you’ve lost your job? Do you see Him in life’s disappointments?

Stage IV (Jesus Covers His Eyes)

Mark 8:25 ESV

25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

The first touch on the man’s eyes satisfied him, he could see,

But the second touch satisfied Jesus, which meant he could see clearly.

There are some of us who are simply satisfied with the first touch. God has blessed us with food, clothing and shelter and we rejoice, but we still need the second touch.

Nothing illustrates this point more than the story of the woman at the well.

John 4:13–14 ESV

13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Stage V (Jesus Sends Him Home)

Mark 8:26 ESV

26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”

This reminds of the song that was written by Simon Kara Marak (1877-1975), a pastor, schoolteacher, and missionary in Jorhat, Assam, India.

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus:

1. I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back; no turning back.

2. If no one joins me, still I will follow; If no one joins me, still I will follow; If no one joins me, still I will follow; No turning back; no turning back.

3. The cross before me, the world behind me; The cross before me, the world behind me; The cross before me, the world behind me; No turning back, no turning back.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of the blind man in Bethsaida reflects our own spiritual paths. Just as he was led away from the distractions of the village, we must allow Jesus to guide us away from the noise that clouds our vision. When He asks, “Do you see anything?” it prompts us to examine our perception of Him. Are we seeing Him clearly as our loving Savior?

Revelation 3:18 reminds us to seek from Him “eye salve” to anoint our eyes so that we may truly see. This second touch is essential; it brings clarity and depth to our faith. As we leave today, let us embrace the call to seek that deeper understanding and to share our newfound sight with others. Like the blind man, may we boldly declare, “I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back.” Amen.