1. The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 16: Healing the Blind Matt. 9:27-31; 20:29-34; Mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-44

2. Preliminary Considerations: The significance of healing the blind  Jesus is the first in the Bible record to heal the blind.  Although blindness has many causes, no case was too difficult for Jesus. (John 9:1; Matthew 12:22)  Healing blindness was a sure sign that Jesus was the Christ of prophecy. (Isaiah 35:5-6; Luke 7:22-23)

3. Healing Two Blind Men In Capernaum Matthew 9:27-31  Just after Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter, two blind men request “mercy” from “the Son of David.” (cf. 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Luke 1:32)  Their faith in Christ relied on the testimony of others, as does ours (Mt. 9:26; cf. John 20:29)  Their faith enabled them to receive God’s blessing of sight – their eyes were opened. (Mt. 9:28-29)  Jesus warned them saying “See that no one knows it,” but they “spread the news.” (Mt. 9:30-31)

4. Healing The Blind Man Near Bethsaida Mark 8:22-26  Bethsaida was a fishing village on the north shore of Galilee. It was the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44).  Bethsaida means “House of the Fisherman” and a fisherman’s house has been excavated there.

5. Healing The Blind Man Near Bethsaida Mark 8:22-26  A blind man was brought to Jesus with the request that Jesus “touch him”  Jesus took the blind man’s hand and led him out of town.  Jesus put spit on the blind man’s eyes The blind man said that he saw “men like trees, walking.” Jesus touched his eyes again The man saw everyone clearly  Jesus instructed him not tell anyone in town.

6. Healing Two Blind Beggars in Jericho Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-44  Near Jericho, two blind men implore Jesus, “Lord have mercy on us, Son of David.” One of the men was named Bartimaeus (Mk. 10:46)  The crowd attempted to silence their pleas, but the blind men cried out even more.  Jesus stopped, and commanded the men to be called to Him. He asked “What do you want Me to do for you?”  The men requested that they receive their sight.  They received sight immediately, followed Jesus, and began “glorifying God.”

7. Lessons for Us from Jesus Healing the Blind  Jesus confirmed His identity as the Messiah and the Son of David by these miracles.  We should persistently seek help from Jesus to solve our unsolvable problems (Matthew 7:7-8; 11:28), especially spiritual blindness (Revelation 3:17-18).  Faith grows as we allow Jesus to lead us.  Receiving help from Christ should motivate us to follow Him and glorify God (Matthew 20:34; Luke 18:43 )