This response from a blind man, after Jesus began a two-part healing process by first spitting on his eyes, is to me the most intriguing comment written in the Bible. It’s found in Mark 8:23-25

Men, Like Trees Walking

My husband rarely goes to the doctor, but when he does it’s a complete disaster. I’ve asked if I can go with him lately. This way things will be clearer:

“How are you doing, Richard,” asked Dr. Smith, “and what seems to be the trouble?”

“I’m fine. My wife said I should come.”

“He hurt his lower back, Doctor.” I said.

“Your lower back? I see,” said Dr. Smith. “How long has it been hurting?”

“I don’t know.” He looked in my direction for help. “A couple days?”

“Two weeks, Doctor,” I said.

“Did you do anything strenuous or physical two weeks ago?” asked Dr. Smith.

“No, not that I recall.” Glanced at me again to see if it was the right answer.

“He shoveled the entire driveway, Doctor,” I said. “And the neighbor’s.”

I probably exaggerated Dick’s responses to make a point.  But if you don’t want to be somewhere, or if you are uncomfortable with details, or conscientious about how you’re coming off–then vague, nebulous, uncertain, unclear, and irresponsible are the order of the day. But since I was present to give clear answers, the doctor had a better chance on the proper course of treatment. The same as our Lord with the blind man.

In the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida, Jesus heals him in a two-part process. Jesus gives us this illustration so that we can be clear about what being unclear means. Jesus regarded it as a dangerous place (being unclear) when it comes to the matters of the Kingdom of God, and seems to have used the man when they brought him as an opportunity to convey this.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not vague, nebulous, uncertain, or unclear. So, when Jesus asked the blind man after his first touch if he saw anything, the blind man looked up and said he saw men like trees—walking! What a word picture. Not only was his mind and his will in it, but his heart. He could have responded that he didn’t know and acted like a victim. Instead he was very clear, and descriptive of what he saw.

This scripture has many applications of truths for Our Lord’s part in this story. But all the expositors all agree that the blind man’s response has one simple truth. And that is — He examined himself, the state he was in, and confessed it out loud. And that’s what led to his healing in the second touch of our Lord.

When we are vague about doctrine, nebulous about the narrow gate, or uncertain about salvation, then we’ll never get to the second touch where men will be men and trees will be trees. We will stay in a dangerous level described in Ephesians, where Paul warns us we’ll be swept away by anything that comes along.

He wants you to get to the second stage of seeing. Where you’re secure and safe from the wiles of the devil. He wants your house built on the rock so when the winds blow you’ll bend and not break. And then God can use you for his purposes.

Then you can be a part of “the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit ever month And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

“Holy Spirit, Truth Divine,
Dawn upon this soul of mine,
Word of God, and inward Light,
Wake my spirit, clear my sight.”