Trees Walking Around: Refocusing Our Blurred Vision of Jesus

“I see people . . . walking around like trees (Mk. 8:24). The blind man’s commentary on his healing was revealing. Nowhere else in the gospel did Jesus come close to a failed moment when someone wanted healing than this blind man of Bethsaida. The act took two takes with the first attempt leaving his eyesight barely improved. Barely.

Much ink has been spilt on this miraculous story trying to explain Jesus’ apparent power failure. But Mark may be using this story (Mk. 8:22-26) as the front end of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem with a second back end healing of a blind man as Jesus reaches Jericho (Mk. 10:46-52). In other words the two healing stories of blind men hold the journey to Jerusalem in place so that the first blind man can see but still lacks 20/20 vision. The second blind man is able to focus his sights clearly on Jesus. The blind man may very well be representative of the disciples as they grapple with their blurred vision of Jesus. If that is the case, our vision is often just as crippling.

As Mark records the journey to Jerusalem, three teachable moments surface where Jesus clarifies his mission, ministry and mandate. Each of these moments include a prediction of what will unfold when Jesus reaches Jerusalem, followed by the disciple failure to grasp his teaching, concluding with further instructions on discipleship.

The first teachable moment (Mk. 8:31-38) occurs immediately following Peter’s confession in Caesarea Philippi. For the first time in Mark’s gospel Jesus lays out what they will find in Jerusalem. Of course, Peter, refusing to believe that Jesus will suffer at the hands of the Jews, pulls him aside for a rebuke. Yes, Peter rebuked Jesus!? But Jesus will have none of his (so-called) wisdom. Instead, he presents a vision of discipleship that includes cross carrying and sacrificing one’s life.

The second teachable moment (Mk. 9:30-37) appears as they were passing through Galilee. Once again, Jesus wants the Twelve to enter Jerusalem eyes wide opened as he’ll be executed but will be raised three days later. Mark tells us they didn’t understand (v. 32). And in case we needed evidence of their misunderstanding, they began arguing over which disciple was the greatest one. While Jesus is sacrificing his life, the disciples are debating which of them is number one. Jesus refocuses their attention by exhorting them to seek the number two spot. Instead of pursuing their own self-interests, approach life as if you are the least of these. No power. No authority. No sway (Mk. 9:30-37).

The final teachable moment (Mk. 10:21-45) surfaces as they were nearing Jerusalem itself with Jesus leading the way. Here, he outlines the most detailed description of the events about to unfold. Betrayed. Condemned. Mocked. Flogged. Killed. Resurrected. But James and John pull Jesus aside for a personal request of sitting in the place of power and position at his coming kingdom. Not only did he rebuff their request, but he redirected their attention that leadership does not mean lordship. Leadership means servanthood. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. Thus, we follow his leadership model.

When we latch onto following Jesus but fail to see what discipleship really is, then we’re like the blind man Jesus is trying to heal. We see, but it’s all a blur almost like trees walking around. We operate from a power position. We control people’s movements and actions. We use relationships for personal gain then cast them aside when they no longer aid our agenda. We fight for rights as long as we get something of value from it, and fight as long as it cost us nothing. We mock people we disagree with and demean others who won’t let us have our way. We claim to see Jesus clearer than anyone else, but if the truth be known, we’re no better than the blind man standing by the side of the road needing to be silenced by those hearing our voices.

In order to see Jesus with clarity in vision, discipleship must be defined on his terms not ours. Following him means we’re willing to bear the burden while carrying our cross. We stop seeking to be first as we desire to embrace humility in owning the joy of being number two. Finally, we begin using our position and power to serve the people around us. Once our eyes are checked under these criteria, we’ll begin to see Jesus with clarity. We’ll begin seeing each other with clarity.

Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e., only God is glorified!)