Mark 8-10 (The Daily Walk Bible).

Why does Jesus heal the blind man in stages (8:22-26)? The key may be in the constant repetition of term related to “seeing.” He has already reprimanded the disciples for their lack of understanding (8:21). The blind man’s inability to see mirror’s the disciples unclear spiritual perception and becomes an illustration for us.

Jesus’ rebuke of Peter reminds us that Gods is in charge, we aren’t (8:33)! We can only see and understand a little bit, and we need to trust and accept that God has everything under control!

9:29 in the NKJV includes the term “fasting” with prayer. Regardless of which way it reads, we’re shown that momentary spirituality isn’t enough: we need to be close to God all the time if we expect to face the trials and problems that come our way.

What words! “Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it’” (8:34-35).