Light then and now: From Jesus healing the blind to Jewish innovation restoring sight today
Two thousand years ago, Jesus walked the land, and as he walked, he healed people. Many of those he healed were blind. At least eight people had their sight restored by Jesus. One such story is the healing of Bartimaeus in Jericho.
Mark 10:51–52
51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”
52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Bartimaeus was a beggar who sat at the city gate. Jesus came along, restored his sight, and restored his dignity.
A Jew healed the blind 2,000 years ago, and today it is happening again. Jews have 3D printed a cornea and implanted it into a blind patient.
Precise Bio has developed the technology to 3D print a cornea and to perform the operation. This will bring hope and dignity to blind people around the world. From a company that is only ten years old comes hope for the blind, spreading light around the world, literally.
It is an amazing story and will transform the lives of blind people who receive this operation.
Aryeh Batt, the CEO of Precise Bio, told me in an interview that they take human cells and natural materials, and it takes two minutes to print a cornea. It mimics the anatomical structure and materials of natural tissue. When they fabricate the tissue in the lab, they create human natural tissue, and this is what they transplant into the patient’s eye.
Bartimaeus was a beggar but did not need to beg anymore because of a word from Jesus. Precise Bio, when it receives full approval, will be restoring hope and dignity around the world.
Just another story of Jews changing the world.
But if Jews can do so much good in the world and change lives in so many ways, why is there antisemitism?
Why are Jews being persecuted simply for being Jews?
The question to antisemites is this: What are you doing to make a difference in the world? Are you restoring sight to the blind? Are you bringing hope and joy?
While antisemitism brings hate and darkness, Israel will continue, even under attack, to bring light.
We recently saw Jews being targeted at Bondi Beach. Antisemitism raised its ugly head and killed Jews who were celebrating. Antisemitism also blinded a NSW police officer. Jack Hibbett was shot and is now blind in one eye.
ABC News Australia reported: “Although miraculously surviving, Jack's injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes, and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required,” the family statement said.
The Manchester Evening News reported in February this year with the headline: “Jewish man feared for his eyesight after sickening attack in Manchester city centre.”
“I thought I could have been blinded in my right eye,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
Antisemitism brings fear and darkness to the world, leaving Jews worried and scared. Yet Jews are restoring sight to the blind and bringing hope and encouragement to the blind community around the world.
Two thousand years ago, those living in darkness saw a great light. Today, thanks to the Jews, blind people living in darkness have hope of light.
Paul is a Christian journalist based in the Middle East.
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