Would You Let a Stranger Spit on Your Eyes?
A Lesson in Trusting God’s Unusual Methods
Introduction: A Shocking Encounter
Imagine walking down the street, burdened by a secret—a serious eye condition that only your family knows about. You’ve prayed fervently, begging God for healing. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a man who looks homeless approaches you. He stops, looks straight at you, and says, “My Lord told me you’re struggling with your eyes. He said I need to spit on them and pray.”
Your heart races. Nobody outside your family knows about your condition. How could this stranger possibly know? Is this a divine moment, or is it too bizarre to consider? Would you trust him? Would you walk away? Or would you, like many of us, instinctively say, "No way"?
Now imagine if that homeless-looking man wasn’t a stranger but Jesus Himself. Would your answer change?
When Jesus Used Spit: A Biblical Perspective
Let’s look at an actual account from the Bible where Jesus performed a miracle using spit:
"And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, 'Do you see anything?'" —Mark 8:23 (ESV)
This was not the only instance where Jesus used spit in His healing ministry. In John 9:6-7, Jesus healed another blind man by spitting on the ground, making mud with the saliva, and applying it to the man’s eyes. He then told him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and the man came back seeing.
To us, these methods seem unconventional, even unsanitary. Yet, they were acts of divine power. The question is, would we have trusted Jesus in these moments, or would our skepticism have robbed us of a miracle?
Why Would God Use Something So Unusual?
To Test Faith
Healing often requires more than physical restoration; it demands an act of faith. By using spit—a method that defied conventional healing practices—Jesus was testing the faith of those He healed. Would they trust Him, even when the method seemed strange?To Demonstrate His Power
Jesus’ methods were often symbolic. Spit, considered insignificant and even offensive in that culture, became a tool of restoration. It was a way for Jesus to show that God’s power is not bound by human logic or tradition.To Personalize the Miracle
Jesus did not heal everyone the same way. Some were healed by touch, others by His word. In these instances, Jesus’ unique approach demonstrated His intimate knowledge of each person’s need. It was a reminder that God meets us in deeply personal ways.
If You Said "No," What Would That Mean?
If you rejected the stranger’s offer to spit on your eyes and pray, your reaction would be understandable. After all, the situation seems outrageous. But what does this response reveal about your heart?
Fear Over Faith
Would you fear looking foolish more than trusting God? Often, fear of the unknown or of public humiliation keeps us from stepping into divine moments.Trusting Appearances Over God’s Voice
The stranger looks homeless. He doesn’t fit the image of someone you’d expect to carry God’s message. This might expose a tendency to judge based on appearances rather than discerning the Spirit’s prompting.Limits on God’s Methods
A “no” could indicate that you’ve placed boundaries on how God is allowed to work in your life. Would you be willing to admit that you trust God to heal you—so long as He does it on your terms?
Applying the Lesson: Would You Say "No" to Jesus?
If the scenario above feels challenging, ask yourself: would you have responded differently if Jesus Himself walked up to you in ancient Judea and said, "I’m going to spit on your eyes and heal you"?
Why is it easier to imagine trusting Jesus than trusting a stranger sent by Him? Perhaps it’s because we know the end of the Gospel story. We know who Jesus is—His power, His love, His sacrifice. But the people He encountered didn’t have the full picture. To them, He often looked like a wandering rabbi, an outcast, or even a threat to the status quo. Yet, some trusted Him anyway.
Faith Requires Risk
Faith is rarely convenient or predictable. It often requires stepping outside your comfort zone and trusting God in ways that don’t make sense. Consider these examples:
Noah trusted God’s command to build an ark before any sign of rain appeared.
Moses trusted God’s promise to part the Red Sea, even when escape seemed impossible.
The woman with the issue of blood risked public shame to touch Jesus’ garment, believing it would heal her.
None of these acts made sense in the moment, but they demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s power.
Steps to Embrace Unconventional Faith
Discern God’s Voice
Before reacting, take a moment to pray and seek God’s guidance. The stranger’s knowledge of your condition might be a divine sign, but it’s important to confirm it through prayer and spiritual discernment.Lay Down Your Pride
Healing may come at the cost of looking foolish. Are you willing to surrender your pride to receive what God has for you?Trust God’s Timing and Methods
God often works in ways that challenge our understanding. Remember Isaiah 55:8-9:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”
Ask for Increased Faith
If you struggle to trust God in unusual circumstances, ask Him to increase your faith. Like the father in Mark 9:24, cry out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
A Question of Reflection
If Jesus approached you today in an unconventional way, would you trust Him? If not, what is holding you back? Is it fear, doubt, pride, or something else? Take time to reflect on these questions and ask God to reveal areas where your faith needs growth.
Growth Challenge
This week, commit to saying “yes” to God in at least one area where you’ve been hesitant. Whether it’s stepping out in faith, serving someone who doesn’t look like they need help, or trusting God in a confusing situation, embrace the challenge to trust Him fully—even when it doesn’t make sense.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who works in ways beyond our understanding. Forgive us for the times we’ve doubted Your methods or refused to trust You because of fear or pride. Teach us to recognize Your hand in all situations, even the ones that seem strange or uncomfortable. Increase our faith and help us to say “yes” to You, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thought
God’s ways are often unconventional, but they are always purposeful. Trust Him, even when His methods don’t align with your expectations. After all, the greatest miracles often come through the most surprising means.
Now, Warriors, let’s get to work—walking in faith and trusting God in every step of the journey!
Matthew Adams