“He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”  Mark 8:24

The man of Bethsaida was blind for who knows how long when Jesus entered his life and healed him. After Jesus spit in this man’s eyes and put his hands on him the first time the man could see, but not all that well. Mark actually quotes him to say, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Funny, walking trees. That makes me smile…and think…

What if people really were like walking trees? If people had no brain to think deeply about what Jesus taught and no heart to be changed. His words would go right through one tree hole and out another! But seriously, when people listen to the words of Jesus and aren’t transformed, isn’t that the same? In one ear and out the other, just sounds in the wind.

The things Jesus taught were simple but profound. They caused his listeners to evaluate themselves and consider change. His statements and claims were even confirmed by his miracles and his perfect demeanor. Sure, people got confused when he spoke. But when they understood, when his words actually penetrated into their souls, they changed.

Lord, please open my eyes and ears to see and hear you clearly.