Second Touch
Mark 8:25-26
Again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and he saw distinctly. He was cured and could see everything clearly. Then He sent him home saying, “don’t even go into the village.”
Jesus and His disciples had just entered the village of Bethsaida when people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged Him to heal him. Jesus took him outside the village to heal him – outside the hustle and bustle of the town where they could meet in private. In this private place, Jesus spat upon his eyes and laid hands upon him, and the man could see a little but not clearly. He could see men, but they looked like trees walking. He could not distinguish them personally but could see their motions and their actions. Upon a second touch, however, the man could see the people clearly – recognizing their faces and distinguishing them each individually.
This way of healing was certainly a different approach to how He had healed in the past, but only Jesus knew the source of blindness in this man. Scripture does not tell us how he became blind. Had he been blind since birth? I would suspect not since he knew what a tree looked like and compared people to trees walking when he first gained a little sight. Was he blind because of sin or an injury? We simply just don’t know the source of his blindness, but Jesus did. For some reason, it would take a second touch from Jesus for this man to regain full sight.
The blind man could have become offended when Jesus spat on him. If he had, he would have not received a second touch. Instead, the man remained with Jesus until he gained full sight. Jesus didn’t leave him with partial vision; He touched him again so he could see clearly and be able to recognize people for who they really were.
Do we see people as trees walking? Do we judge them by their motions and actions, or do we have enough sight to see them as individuals made in the image and likeness of God? Are we able to see the hurt behind the faces and distinguish the soul that longs for Christ and the abundant life He came to give? Until we can see people clearly, we are still somewhat blind and in need of further healing ourselves. We need a second touch from the Savior to completely heal the source of our wounds in order to see others for who they really are – people made in the image of God who desperately need Christ.
Jesus told this man to return home and not to go back into the village. Most scholars think He didn’t want the man to draw attention to Him and draw a crowd to Him. I think Jesus’s command, however, meant more than this. He wanted the man to go home healed – to see his own family for who they really were first. At some point, the man would have to go back into the village, but at first he should take his healed sight home, where his family could experience the miracle of having him healed.
Our families need us healed as much, if not more, than we need healing ourselves. Our damaged selves put a burden on those around us. When Jesus heals and delivers us, it brings freedom to them.
Do you need a second touch from Jesus today? Do you see people as men walking, or do you see them as image bearers of God in need of a Savior? Can you have compassion for their pain, or do you simply get frustrated with their actions? If you find yourself judging and being critical far too often, you just might be seeing others as trees walking. Ask Jesus to help you see clearly. New and fresh vision can change your household and take healing even further than you ever imagined. Thank God for second touches, second chances, and second times around! Our world can change with those seconds if we will remain with Jesus until He is finished with us.
Have a blessed day!