A spitting Savior doesn’t sound too good, but it’s the truth. It sounds revolting to say that Jesus spat on this man, but here is a lesson we need to learn. The only criterion we must meet to be saved is the Bible, the gospel. Follow God’s plan whether it agrees with or satisfies man or not. Whether it sounds orthodox or not, follow God. When we follow what Jesus says, it’s done.
Jesus used various methods to heal people. Many have misconceptions about being saved. We’re not saved through bylaws of man but the method of God through personal, private contact with God and his Son. However the Lord deals with you may be different than how he deals with someone else, but the end result is the same. There is one way to salvation. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If you’re not saved or not sure you are, Jesus is willing to do whatever it takes.
Mark 8: 22And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. 23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. 24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. 25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. 26And he sent him away to his house, saying, neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
Jesus had healed blind people before in less repulsive ways than he did here. Imagine spitting on the man. All of us spit in some form or another, but it’s not something we do in public. The Jews in Israel today consider it a crime to spit on the sidewalk. Yet Jesus spat on this man’s eyes. There is no extent Jesus won’t go to. We can find Jesus and he can touch us. Our getting to Jesus may be different from another person’s getting there. A paralyzed man was brought to Jesus by four friends who opened a roof and lowered him down to Jesus. Bartimaeus was called by Jesus and asked what he wanted him to do for him. Jesus didn’t touch him, yet he could see. He never touched the leper. He willed it to happen, and it did. Spitting is a repulsive method to us. Regardless of the dealing the Lord chooses, it works. He does it according to his own will. How he chooses to work is to be obeyed. The only way to successfully live for the Lord is to come to him and do what he says.
This man was led to Jesus. We don’t see him groping around trying to find his way by himself. I’m so thankful for the leading of the Lord that gets us in the right direction. Jesus took the man farther away, out of town away from everyone. It’s not enough to be acquainted with Christians. That will lead you in the right direction, but the time comes to trust Jesus, not people, not church, for salvation. Jesus led this man away for a private meeting. That’s where we find him. A relationship with Jesus is intensely personal, a one-on-one meeting. I’m thankful that we have people around who pray for us and support us, but the time comes when it has to be just Jesus and me and Jesus and you.
When Jesus got the man alone, he spat on his eyes. Why did he do that? It wasn’t for spite. Jesus saw the condition of this man. He was blind; his eyes were hollow and shallow. He saw the curse of sin. He loved this man, but he hated what the blindness did to him, what the curse of sin had brought to mankind. He chose to spit at the blindness, thus showing the devil he despised him. Afterward he asked the man if he saw anything. He said I see men as trees, walking. Jesus touched him again. When Jesus wants to touch you, let him. If he wants to touch you again, let him. After the second time, Jesus told the man to look up and he was restored, and saw every man clearly. He trusted the Lord. He couldn’t see what Jesus was doing. He didn’t know it was spit, but he let him do it. If Jesus needs to spit on the devil or sin in our lives, let’s let him do it.
Jesus prayed for the cup of sin to be taken away. He despised it but was willing to take it for us. Hebrews 12:2-3 says looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. We should spit at the devil and any notion we ever have of doing wrong. Jesus endured a lot, including being spat upon, just so he could spit away our sin.
Jesus spat on the blindness. When the man did what Jesus said, he was delivered. How do you feel about your defeat? Jesus led this man out of town and did what he had to do to get rid of the man’s blindness. Jesus is willing to do what it takes to help you. Are you willing to let him? Whatever he decides to do, if you let him do it, you will be delivered.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 