Spiritual growth takes time

In Mark 8:22-26 we find a miracle recorded only by Mark. Jesus healed a blind man. Normally Jesus healed instantaneously and completely but this miracle was different. Jesus healed this man in stages.

Verse 22 reads, “And they brought a blind man to Jesus and implored Him to touch Him.” Being blind is very difficult at any time but it was especially hard in the first century. The rabbis wrongly assumed that blindness was a result of God’s judgment. This man had friends who brought him to Jesus.

This miracle is different from all the other miracles of Jesus. “He (Jesus) brought him out of the village, and after spitting on his eyes and laying His hands on him, He asked him, ‘Do you see anything?’ And he looked up and said, ‘I see men, for I see them like trees, walking around.’ Then again He laid his hands on his eyes; and he looked intently and was restored, and began to see everything clearly” (verses 23-25).

Why did Jesus heal this man in stages? At first the man’s vision was not perfectly restored but then he saw everything clearly. The answer is in the context! Four verses earlier Jesus asked His disciples, “Having eyes do you not see (verse 18)?” In the previous verse to this incident Jesus asked His disciples, “Do you not yet understand (verse 21)?” Following the healing of this blind man is the great confession of Peter. “Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Christ” (verse 29).

The lesson is that spiritual growth takes place in stages. The ability to understand or see does not take place all at once. The Bible compares spiritual growth to physical growth. Physical growth takes time. My youngest child is nine years old. It takes time for her to grow physically. Spiritual growth is also a process.

The first half of Mark’s gospel answers the question, “Who is Jesus?” He is God’s Son. The second half of Mark’s gospel answers the question, “Why did He come?” The disciples correctly understood that Jesus is the Messiah. It was more difficult for them to understand that He came as a suffering Messiah. Jesus came to rescue us from our sin.

Every person must answer three very important questions. First, who is Jesus? He is the second person of the Trinity. Second, why did He come? He came to die for our sins. Third, what is God’s plan for me? After salvation my purpose is to serve. Serving usually involves suffering.

This story is very encouraging. Our Lord Jesus always finishes what He begins. Jesus healed this man perfectly. Jesus gave the man perfect vision. Our Savior promises to complete the good work He has started in us.

I remember many years ago sitting in school and the teacher telling us, “When the year 2000 comes you will be 34 years old.” I thought, “By the time I’m that old I will be really smart.” Let’s just say that I left 34 in the rear view mirror a long time ago! Progress has been slower than I expected! Spiritual growth is not easy.

We grow by learning and applying God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:15 says, “You have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” God at salvation saved us from the penalty of sin. Today He is saving us from the power of sin. The day is coming- at death- that every Christian will be saved from the presence and even the possibility of sin. Let’s press on and keep growing. Be encouraged!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.