TheBlind Man of Bethsaida is the subject of one of themiracles of Jesus in the Gospels. It is found only inMark 8:22–26.[1][2] The exact location of Bethsaida in this pericope is subject to debate among scholars but is likely to have beenBethsaida Julias, on the north shore ofLake Galilee.[1]
According to Mark's account, whenJesus came to Bethsaida, a town inGalilee, he was asked to heal ablind man. Jesus took the man by the hand and led him out of the town, put some spittle on his eyes, and laid hands on him. "I see men like trees, walking", said the man. Jesus repeated the procedure, resulting in clear and perfect eyesight. "Neither go into the town", commanded Jesus, "nor tell anyone in the town."[3][a]
Even though the story isfound only in Mark, some claim that its authenticity is supported by thecriterion of embarrassment, arguing that early Christians would not have been happy that Jesus's first attempt at the miracle seems to fail.[6] Another interpretation is given byBede, who argues that "by this miracle, Christ teaches us how great is the spiritual blindness of man, which only by degrees, and by successive stages, can come to the light of Divine knowledge".[7]
The New Testament describes only one other miracle performed in Bethsaida, thefeeding of the multitude inLuke 9:16, althoughJohn 21:25 states that many more things were done by Jesus than have been recorded.
According toMatthew 11:21, Jesus cursed the city for its lack of belief in him despite "the mighty works done in you".
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