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Prepare: Like healing, understanding can sometimes be a gradual process. Pray for patience to wait in hope as God opens your eyes to whatever he wishes to show you.
Symbolic story
This story finishes the section in Mark concerned with Jesus’ mission beyond Israel. It offers a progress report on the disciples’ grasp of what his ministry was all about.
Like the stories of the two feedings (6:30–44; 8:1–13), this story is intended by Mark to be taken symbolically. This does not mean that it didn’t happen or that we should ignore the wonderful miracle of healing which Jesus performed.
Realistic miracle
Indeed the account itself contains exactly the sort of realistic touches you would expect when someone who has never seen suddenly becomes aware that people look like moving trees (v 24)! It also contains a classic account of how a holy man’s saliva was thought to be able to generate healing (v 23). Jesus frequently uses popular belief to engender faith, though in the end all it needs is a touch (v 25).
Mark wants us to understand at this point that the spiritual eyes of the disciples are being gradually opened. They may only perceive dimly what is going on, but something is happening to them and their vision is gradually becoming clearer. The next two chapters demonstrate further stages in the process. They, like us, needed time.
Respond: Thank God for his patience and unfailing commitment to our growth in grace and understanding.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-09-12
Symbolic story
This story finishes the section in Mark concerned with Jesus’ mission beyond Israel. It offers a progress report on the disciples’ grasp of what his ministry was all about.
Like the stories of the two feedings (6:30–44; 8:1–13), this story is intended by Mark to be taken symbolically. This does not mean that it didn’t happen or that we should ignore the wonderful miracle of healing which Jesus performed.
Realistic miracle
Indeed the account itself contains exactly the sort of realistic touches you would expect when someone who has never seen suddenly becomes aware that people look like moving trees (v 24)! It also contains a classic account of how a holy man’s saliva was thought to be able to generate healing (v 23). Jesus frequently uses popular belief to engender faith, though in the end all it needs is a touch (v 25).
Mark wants us to understand at this point that the spiritual eyes of the disciples are being gradually opened. They may only perceive dimly what is going on, but something is happening to them and their vision is gradually becoming clearer. The next two chapters demonstrate further stages in the process. They, like us, needed time.
Respond: Thank God for his patience and unfailing commitment to our growth in grace and understanding.
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-09-12
Scripture
About this Plan
WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union England & Wales for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.wordlive.org/youversion
