Mark uses a literary technique called an “inclusio” to show the reader the importance of a specific passage. In chapters 8 and 10, we read two healing miracles that form two literary “bookends”, and sandwiched between these two stories is a monumental lesson about Jesus. Specifically, we learn who Jesus is as a “divine man” and the misunderstanding from Jesus’ disciples that soon becomes clear through the use of the “inclusio”.
The two healing miracles both include blind men. In the first miracle (8:22-26), Mark is representing the relationship Jesus has with his disciples. They don’t fully understand who he is, but with Jesus’ help, their vision is crystal clear. The second miracle (10:46-52) further clarifies the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. They may not come from the most fortunate backgrounds, but by faith in Christ, they can live their life to the fullest. We cannot easily draw these conclusions without the “inclusio”, which requires us to examine the material sandwiched between these two miracles.
The general misunderstanding about Jesus was that he was a Davidic messiah, as expressed by Peter (8:29). White explains that a Davidic messiah is actually an earthly king and a political figure Peter mistakenly believes should not have to die. However, we as readers know that using the terms “Son of Man” and “Son of God” depict eternal life and the correct representation of who Jesus is. Although this makes sense to us, Jesus’ disciples still don’t fully understand who he is even when he refers to himself using these terms instead of “Messiah”. Mark goes on to clear up the confusion by using “Son of Man” and “Son of God” as well as the placement of valuable lessons taught by Jesus to show his true significance. Although the disciples do not understand what is going to happen (the passion), us outside readers watch the story unfold as Jesus makes clear his purpose for his people.
Mark uses several passages within the “inclusio” to demonstrate the kind of figure Jesus is. Along with referring to himself as the Son of Man (8:38, 9:12, 9:31, 10:33, 10:45), and even a proclamation from God saying that Jesus is his Son (9:7), Mark uses Jesus’ teachings to show what kind of kingdom he is bringing to the world. Jesus constantly tells his disciples to keep quiet to shade his true identity as the Son of Man, but we know full well what is about to happen. We can grasp a better idea of what Jesus’ ministry looks like through his teachings in the “inclusio”. For example, he explains what it is like to live a life following Christ by saying “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake and for the sake of the gospel, will save it” (8:35). A small, almost cruel-sounding comment from Jesus as he is about to heal a boy overcome by demonic spirits, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?” (9:19), is a hint at the “good news” we learn from chapters 8-10. Along with this exorcism passage, Jesus makes clear the importance of everyone being welcome into the kingdom of God, specifically children (9:37) and the less fortunate (9:35), through faith. He also makes clear that his followers need nothing (10:29-30) but faith in Christ. In the middle of the “inclusio” we also find a passage stating that any followers who are not against Jesus, no matter their status, are with him (9:42).
With all of this great material sandwiched between two miracle stories, Mark must be trying to show us something. If we go back to the two miracle stories, we learn that Jesus heals the blind, not because they are perfect and feel deserving. In fact, the ones who are imperfect and even trying to know what life is like with Jesus, the ones who have faith, are the ones who Jesus loves and serves. A Davidic king is nowhere to be seen in all of this, rather a humble man, the Son of God. Followers of Jesus, from all walks of life, may feel like their vision is partially blocked due to misunderstanding, but by faith, they can clearly see.