In Mark 8:23 Jesus spits on a blind man's eyes, He also lays his hands on him and the man is partially heeled, then Jesus lays His hands on Him again and his eyesight is completely restored. I spent an hour reading commentaries on this miraculous healing because it contains so many perplexing elements. Not the least of which is why Jesus spit in His eyes, a practice which was viewed as an act of disrespect, and was offensive and disgusting. 

There are so many theories ranging from pagan to practical. Some think Jesus used spittle to remove debris that may have gummed the eyes, but why not simply use water? Others surmise it related to pagan practices that believed spittle could cure disease, epilepsy, neck pain, and numbness in the limb. However, the spit is not applied to the area affected. In the case of neck pain, the spittle should be applied to the knees. For a numb limb, it should be spit into the bosom or placed on the eyelid. Also, spitting on the ground can increase the potency of any healing remedy. Others say it had a spiritual application relating to the disciples; and others a host of other things. The only thing scholars agreed on is that it remains a mystery. 

When I read this what struck me was His disciples brought the blind man to Christ and earnestly asked Him to "touch" him. They prescribed to Jesus the method they had seen Him use many times to heal, and it is understandable why they did. But Jesus used a method He had never used before. I couldn't help apply that to myself and how I can sometimes think I know the right thing to say or do, only to find out it's not at all how Christ chooses to bring healing and salvation. 

It reminded me of when Jesus breathed on His disciples, an act of close intimacy, and now He uses his saliva and touch to bring the remedy. The Gospels, what a fascinating account of the miraculous, individual, unpredictable works of Christ!