Graced to See

Such a healing has provoked a slew of questions from both unbelievers and believers. Why the “delay” completion of this healing? Why inquire into this man's ability to see after the first “attempt?” Why such “difficultly” on this occasion, while Jesus healed others with similar ailments without any delay? Did Jesus need to correct his former work? Is Jesus here taking a mulligan?

Perhaps our befuddlement will be resolved if we just recall Jesus' overall course and scope of ministry and consider what Jesus might be teaching the audience surrounding Him on this occasion with this unique use of means. Perhaps remembering our rules of exegesis and literary analysis – especially the importance of reading any section within its surrounding context – will also help.

Let's consider how God's Grace is required to cure two ailments of human vision, both of which are symbolically seen in Jesus healing of the blind man of Bethsaida.

1. Man's Spiritual Blindness
2. Man's Spiritual Misperception