In Mark's view, Jesus' disciples never quite "see" who Jesus is. They can sort of see, but they never really see what following Jesus actually means... and this brings us to the first blind man healed in the gospel of Mark. His healing takes place in Bethsaida (Mark 8:22f) when "some people" brought him to Jesus and begged him to "touch" the blind man... which Jesus did, but in a way that was only partly effective. Jesus led the blind man outside of town, where he touched his eyes with spittle. Then he asked, "Can you see now?" and the blind man said something like, "I can sort of see, but people look like trees." When Jesus heard this, he touched the blind man again and the man could see. He went home and Jesus led his disciples down the road. In time they reached Caeserea Phillipi, and Jesus asked his disciples who they believed he was. Peter noted that Jesus was God's Messiah, but when Jesus pointed out that he must suffer and die, Peter couldn't see that suffering was key to Jesus' earthly mission. His followers couldn't see that following him meant embracing those whom others wouldn't embrace and suffering for the sake of justice.
Then we meet the rich, young ruler (Mark 10:17f) who couldn't see that he couldn't enter heaven on his own terms. After that encounter, we see James and John asking Jesus to give them seats of prestige in his glory... because they're blinded by self-interests. And so it is, that as Jesus gets closer to Jerusalem, his disciples remain blind to what discipleship means. Finally, they reach Jericho, (Mark 10:46-52) where Jesus is encountered by a blind man named Bartimaeus, (Timeaus' son), who knows that his moment is at hand, as he cries out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Instead of asking for a special seat in heaven, he cried for mercy, and when others in the crowd told him to tone it down, he cried out all the louder. When Jesus stopped in front of him, the Bible says that Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and immediately came to Jesus, who asked Bartimaeus what he wanted from him. I want to see, Bartimaeus said. I want to see! Upon hearing this Jesus said, "Your faith has made you well." You can see now... and Bartimaeus could see! He could see very clearly... and he followed Jesus!
Our message today is all about seeing. It's about "sort of" seeing and seeing clearly, and it is NOT trapped in history. Indeed, God's word speaks to us whenever we open it and today it is asking each of us about our vision.
1. Do we see the image of God in others- all others?
2. Do we see that we're as good as anyone, but better than no one?
3. Do we see that God is a God of love (period)?
4. Do we see that our neighbors are white and black, Jew and Gentile?
5. Do we see that beauty comes from authenticity and service?
6. Do we see that Christ is inviting us to follow him on the road paved with love and service?
7. Do we see that we're called to repair the world from the wounds of hate and injustice?
8. Will we invite those who don't see clearly to come and see what we've found?
9. Do we see that black people have the right to attend church without being murdered?
10. Do we see that Jews have the right to attend their synagogues... without being slaughtered?
11. Can we see that something is very, very wrong when kids are murdered in their schools?
11. Can we see that this hatred will not stand and cannot endure?
12. Can we see that we must get involved, even if it's uncomfortable or worse?
13. Can we see that enough is enough?
Today's message is about seeing clearly. It sprang forth from the blind men who appeared in the 8th and 10th chapter of the gospel of Mark, but it can't be left as a story. It must be seen as an opportunity and as an obligation for people of faith everywhere! If we can't see this, no one ever will. I am heartbroken today, knowing that people I love may be murdered because of the color of their skin or the way in which they worship their God. Jesus said that we will be blessed if we mourn for a broken and hurting world, and I'm counting on that in the days ahead. Amen.
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