There are certain situations/roles in life that it’s important to go into with your eyes wide open. You want to be prepared for the responsibilities, the level of commitment, the different possible outcomes, in order to position yourself for success. What are some examples of situations that you definitely want to go into with your eyes wide open? Where have you experienced the downside of going into something without your eyes wide open?
It is critical to Jesus that His disciples follow with their eyes wide open. That their eyes are wide open to His identity and wide open to the full meaning of being a follower.
The eyes of The King 8:1-10
Jesus wasn’t just a miracle worker. He wasn’t simply seeking His own glory and building his fame. He was seeing the needs in front of Him and His heart was soft and stir-able. Eventually He will point His disciples to consider His love and to replicate it (Jn 13). What needs have I seen in front of me lately? What would it look like for God’s compassion to flow through me?
“Having eyes do you not see?” 8:11-21
It’s always good to know where you stand. Jesus rattles off a gamut of questions, not intending to shame, but as a way to illuminate their current inadequate understanding. The disciples were certainly slow learners, as are you and I. What have the disciples forgotten? How has their forgetfulness affected their faith? Where have I seen God provide for me? How does that influence what I am facing right now?
Jesus opens eyes 8:22-26
Mark is the only gospel writer who includes this visual aid. Why here? Why now? Is my view of Jesus fuzzy or crystal clear? What is impeding my clear view?
The disciples’ eyes are opening 8:27-30
The disciples have been on a 2-year journey with Jesus. Over this time Jesus has been progressively revealing His true identity. Now they are seeing Him with even more clarity. How did God open your eyes? How has God continued to open your eyes to the fullness of His identity? Where have you experienced illumination from the Spirit?
Eyes Wide Open! 8:31-9:1
I’ve been waiting to tell you the rest of the story. Now you are ready. I am a different Messiah than what you have envisioned.
I am The King, but a King who must suffer and die. Suffering and death lead to glory. Come, follow me!
What does a full embrace of Jesus require?
What motivates you to live this way? (2Cor. 5:14-15)