To be his disciple is to be “on the road” that leads to the cross and beyond. Up to this point the story-line makes dismal reading. The disciples whom he chose and called remain dullwitted and hard-hearted (6:51–52). But there is hope even if it arises from unlikely places and throws into prominence unlikely people. The blind beggar shows uncommon perception, as he illustrates one of Mark’s favorite themes: faith appears in situations where you least expect it, as