“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2a
Faith is made perfect as it focuses on Jesus. In Mark 8:22-25, Jesus heals a blind man, though it takes Him a couple of attempts. The first time the man sees, but imperfectly. “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” The second time his vision is clear. Some wonder why Jesus didn’t “get it right” the first time. If we wonder that too, we are missing the point.
The story comes after the disciples’ dullness (blindness) concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, and right before Peter’s glorious confession (sight) of Jesus as the Christ. Mark says, in effect, that our spiritual blindness can only be relieved through repeated encounters with Jesus.
Note well: faith need not be perfect in order to see Jesus. Even the smallest shred of faith sees Jesus truly. That means imperfect faith is still faith! There is no other kind on this side of glory. So what does it mean for faith to grow, to mature? Imperfect faith sees Jesus truly, but as Jesus perfects our faith, we see Him with greater and greater clarity.
The story comes after the disciples’ dullness (blindness) concerning the leaven of the Pharisees, and right before Peter’s glorious confession (sight) of Jesus as the Christ. Mark says, in effect, that our spiritual blindness can only be relieved through repeated encounters with Jesus.
Note well: faith need not be perfect in order to see Jesus. Even the smallest shred of faith sees Jesus truly. That means imperfect faith is still faith! There is no other kind on this side of glory. So what does it mean for faith to grow, to mature? Imperfect faith sees Jesus truly, but as Jesus perfects our faith, we see Him with greater and greater clarity.
Scripture Focus
Mark 8:14–30
Insight
“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12). But when Christ returns, we’ll see Him face to face!
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 8-9
- Psalm 65
- John 6
