Tuesday, January 21, 2014

John 9 -- So Who's Really Blind?

Seeing a man they all knew had been born blind, the disciples asked (clearly expecting Jesus to know the correct answer), “Whose sin caused this?”  They’d been raised in a society where physical impairments were seen as punishments from God.  Jesus said, “This man was born blind so that God’s power could be shown in him.”  Only God would know that, and it was so contrary to public belief!  If the man had heard their conversation, I imagine his entire perspective might have changed instantly!

Jesus spat on the ground, stirred in some dirt, and placed the mixture on the man’s eyes.  These actions, to the Pharisees, would be work, and it was the Sabbath.  He then told him to go wash it all off in a pool.  Keep in mind that he’d not yet seen Jesus – only heard His voice.

Healing someone born blind had never happened before.  Rather than being amazed, the Pharisees were incensed.  It didn’t fit their rules.  They started an investigation, not to declare it a miracle, but to trap Jesus!  “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

The man’s parents, afraid of the Pharisees, evaded their inquiries.  The son, however pretty much told them to stuff it.  He wasn’t going to let rule-following get in the way of God-worshiping.

Amazingly, the Pharisees told him, “You should give God the glory by telling the truth.”  And he did, just as Jesus told the disciples that this was the reason for his blindness.

Father, please keep me from ever trying to get in the way of what You are doing.  If I’ve allowed myself to be blinded spiritually, open my eyes and show me what You’re doing.  I don’t want to be like these men.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford

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