Mark 8:22-33

The Eyes of The Disciples Are Opened (8:22-9:33a).

Following on Jesus' concern at the lack of understanding of the disciples we now learn how their eyes are gradually opened to see at least something of the truth. The subsection commences with the healing of a blind man in two stages, a picture of what is happening to the disciples, and moves on to the disciples' recognition that Jesus is the Messiah. The consequence of this is that Jesus then begins to emphasise that His way is to be a way of suffering as the Son of Man, followed by His revelation in glory. And at the same time He gives to Peter, James and John a vision of that glory. It is necessary for them to know both sides of Who He is. From Mark's viewpoint Jesus at last lays aside the veil that has covered His teaching, and reveals openly what lies ahead. It is a way of suffering and glory, resulting in final triumph. And it has been made possible by their recognition of Him as the Messiah.

Analysis of 8:22-9:33a.

He comes to Bethsaida (Mark 8:22)

a The blind man's eyes are gradually opened (Mark 8:22)

b The disciples recognise Who Jesus is (Mark 8:27).

c They learn that He must suffer before His glory is revealed (Mark 8:31 to Mark 9:1).

d In the transfiguration His glory is revealed before the chosen three in the presence of Moses and Elijah (Mark 9:2).

c They learn that they must not tell others of what they have seen until after the resurrection and learn that Elijah has already come to restore all things, leading up to the suffering of the Son of Man and of Elijah himself (Mark 9:9).

b The demon possessed boy is remarkably healed revealing the uniqueness of Jesus. No other could do what He did (Mark 9:14).

a The disciples are alone with Jesus and learn that spiritual storms lay ahead for Him and for themselves. Their eyes are being gradually opened (Mark 9:30).

He returns to Capernaum (Mark 9:33 a).

Note that in ‘a' the eyes of the blind man are gradually opened, and in the parallel Jesus opens the eyes of the disciples to what lies ahead. In ‘b' the disciples, through Peter their spokesman, recognise that Jesus is the Messiah, and in the parallel they are made aware of His total uniqueness and authority. In ‘c' they learn that He must suffer before His glory is revealed, and in the parallel they learn the same. Centrally in ‘d' Jesus is transfigured and His glory is revealed.