Helen Keller, who lost her sight as a child, said that the only thing worse than being blind is having eyes and failing to see. That line opens a reflection on the only miracle in which Jesus heals a blind man in stages, and on Peter’s confession near Caesarea Philippi (Mark 8). The sermon shows that you can be close to Jesus and witness his power, yet still look at him through the filter of your own fears and expectations, because the transformation of the heart is a process he never abandons halfway. Listen and ask yourself: who do you say he is?
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Mark 8:22-33 Jesus heals a blind man in two stages, and right afterwards Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ. How do these two scenes shed light on each other?
- Peter speaks the truth, "You are the Christ", and moments later hears "Get behind me, Satan". What kind of Messiah were the disciples expecting, and why was the announcement of suffering such a shock to them?
- After the first touch, the blind man sees people like trees walking. In what area of your life has your behavior already changed while your heart still reacts the old way?
- The speaker says the greatest opposition to Jesus is not unbelief but trying to change His path. What does an attitude of "I believe, but not like this" look like in your life?
- Martha walked out of the doctor's office because she heard something other than what she wanted. When do you come to Jesus with a ready-made plan, and how do you react when He starts talking about you rather than others?
- Through what filter of fear are you looking at someone close to you, at work or in church, and how can you turn your eyes to Jesus this week to see that person more clearly?
