Reading the Gospels Together Some Indirect Points of Contact between John and the Synoptic Gospels – Part 3 The Healing of a Blind Man: In this section we will need to consider Mark 8:22-26 and John 9:1-51. Though these two stories are quite different from one another and it may be pressing the point a bit too far, there is a similarity between them that is at least interesting. Both stories speak of Jesus making mud from spittle and putting it on the eyes of a blind man. And both stories are quite obviously modified by each gospel writer to make a theological point. Mark’s story is that strange episode where Jesus needs to heal the blind man twice – likely the reason both Matthew and Luke drop the story. Mark is using the story to make the point that if the disciples – and for that matter anyone else – are going to truly see who Jesus is they are going to need to see beyond the miracles and wonders that Jesus has done. Mark will go on to drive home the point that the only place to truly see who Jesus is, is to see Jesus dead on the cross – he is the Crucified Messiah! So the double healing of the blind man works for Mark to make a point – even if the story may have been embellished. For his part, John has taken the story of the healing of a man born blind from birth and weaved it into one of his wonderful stories that is more about receiving spiritual sight than physical sight. John’s story also is likely embellished to make a point. An interesting question to ponder – one that we simply cannot answer – is whether or not the same story of the healing of a blind man by Jesus lies behind both of these stories. If this is indeed a point of contact between Mark and John, it is certainly a very indirect connection. The Healing of a Paralytic: In this section we will need to consider Mark 2:1-2; Matthew 9:2-8; Luke 5:17-26; and John 5:1-18. All four gospel writers tell a story of Jesus healing a paralytic man who is told to take up his bed and go home. Mark, Matthew, and Luke tell the same story so we can treat them as one. John’s story is quite different except for the command. The setting of Mark, Matthew, and Luke’s story is in Galilee in Jesus’ home. The setting of John’s story is in Jerusalem at a pool near the Temple. Perhaps it is pressing the point too much to even consider that the same story may lie behind both of these stories. Yet, it is interesting to hear them together – especially to hear the command to take up your bed and go home. Once again if there is any connection between these stories it is very indirect.