So, did you find it curious that Jesus healed the blind man “half way” at first? I did. It’s true of all of us, though, that sometimes we only see things dimly. Paul states that as long as we are on earth, our sight is a bit fuzzy: “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely” (I Corinthians 13:12 NLT). Right after this, Peter demonstrates poor vision, doesn’t he? He starts out soaring high as he declares Jesus to be Messiah, but then he falls with a thud when he rebukes Jesus when Jesus again predicts His coming death. A suffering Messiah did not fit Peter’s paradigm. He could not “see” it.
Jesus response is fierce, isn’t it? He is adamant that He must suffer terrible things (vs 31). He will not allow Himself to be tempted or swayed from the purpose for which He came. Then, He launches into a powerful challenge to all who follow Him. Are we willing to walk the way of suffering? The way of the cross? This is a question we must ask ourselves frequently. There is only one answer for those who follow Him. Yes, by His grace and with His help, we are willing. May it be so, Lord Jesus!
My recorded verse: Mark 8:36-37 “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
My response: Lord, help me to remember that this life is temporary. We all die. Help me to live for the eternal life that follows afterward.
