The Son of David

The last time we encountered a blind man was just before the transfiguration. Just before the transfiguration, Jesus encounters a blind man. And now, just before the triumphal entry, Jesus encounters a blind man.

The transfiguration and the triumphal entry are the two places in Mark's gospel where Jesus' identity is most clearly revealed. And both are preceded by the opening of the eyes of the blind.

Three times, now, Jesus has predicted his coming death and resurrection. Three times the disciples have missed the point.

The opening of the eyes of the first blind man and the transfiguration did not help. The opening of the eyes of the second blind man and the triumphal entry will not help either.

No amount of healings, exorcisms, or other miracles will open the eyes of the disciples. Only the Holy Spirit can open their eyes – and the Spirit can only be poured out if Jesus dies and is raised up from the dead, and is exalted to the right hand of the Father.

And yet… here is one who “gets it” better than the disciples.

And he gets it while he still blind!