Another of my favorite chapters in the Bible! I really enjoy the exchange and the humanity of the characters in this text. Jesus sees a man who was born blind and his disciples ask him a faulty theological question, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Their presumption is the same mistaken presumption that many make today - If something went wrong, there must be someone to blame. Jesus turns their question into an opportunity to show God's grace and power. He spits on the ground and makes mud and applies the mud to the eyes of the blind man and sends him off to the pool of Siloam to wash. The man washes, and receives his eyesight!
What follows is a who dun it mystery investigation by the Pharisees, a sort of CSI Jerusalem. I love the attitude of the man who has received his sight! He tells the truth over and over and finally tires of the game and suggests that perhaps the Pharisees desire to become Jesus disciples.
The chapter ends with Jesus being reunited with the man who had been healed. Jesus reveals himself to the man and condemns the religious leaders as being those ho are truly blind spiritually.
Spiritually blind. I wonder where I am blinded by a life time of presumption and faithlessness. Spiritually blind. Are there areas where we presume to speak for God when God has not really spoken to us? Lord, apply the mud to my eyes and help me to really see what you see.
About Me
- Pastor Bill
- I am a committed follower of Jesus Christ, a happy husband, father and grandfather!
8 comments:
An interesting and controversial chapter in the life of Jesus, as the Pharisees interogate the parents of the recently healed blind man. Why do they fear being "thrown out of the" synagogue? Was it because it was the only synagogue in town? I know that this may be to some a no-brainer but I find this [2008] to be confusing. As interesting as it is to read this, my study bible again doesn't explain this verse.
Hi SotK,
The Jewish nation Israel is oddly situated in that it is at the same time a nation and a religion. Having been occupied by the Romans the seat of national power lay within the Temple structure. So, since all power and authority for the nation eminated through the religious structure, being kicked out of the synagogue had huge social, financial and political implications.
Good question!
Bill
Doesn't it seem that the parents are afraid of losing more than their position (social, political or financial) in the synagogue? I see their fear in their own belief. These parents were probably the "everyday run of the mill" type parents whose religion was that of the Pharisees. Having a son born blind to them gave then a special opportunity to accept Christ as God's Son when He healed their son. Sometimes I think that because most of us were raised in a Christian setting, we tend to discount how hard it would be to change our religion. Would fear be part of that change? I know that if I had a son who was born blind and someone claiming to be the Son of God came and gave him his sight, I would probably be tempted to follow him. I am sure that I would also be afraid of leaving the traditions and beliefs that I was raised by. Just a thought.
Good thought Lynn.
I often am presume people will embrace my version of the truth without considering how hard it is for me to turn and embrace a new truth. I hadn't considered this, buit it is very important especially as we look to evangelize. Why should anyone change all they have held onto and trade it for our position? Perhaps this is why the book of Acts says signs and wonders accompanied the preaching of the Word.
Bill
I certainly have had my eyes opened to other religions in the last six months.
I work with a gentleman who is Jewish - he does not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
I have prayed often to know how to approach him and share the good news with him.
We have had some minor discussions, but as of yet he has not opened his heart or his mind.
He is stubborn in his beliefs, as I am sure I am. I told him the other day that I have to look out for him because Jesus charged me with looking over His chosen people.
He actually closed the door and we had a nice discussion. His mind hasn't changed, but the Lord planted a seed that day.
I look forward to Him harvesting that seed in the future.
I am not versed enough to "close the deal" on my own, but I know the Lord will provide when His time is right.
I strive to make sure my actions line up with my beliefs so he will someday want what I have - the forgiveness of sins and eternal life with our Father in Heaven.
Praise God for His works!
This passage wast just up in the lectionary - I like it too. I was struck by how much everyone seemed to wish the man was still blind - would have been much more convenient all around if he's just stayed blind. It was as if everyone involved would do anything to not admit he'd been healed. Because admitting he's healed means admitting Jesus has power, and admitting Jesus has power means admitting Jesus is right, and admitting Jesus is right means we're responsible to respond to his teachings! And that's the last thing we want to do - be held accountable for our actions, etc.
So...
Jesus concludes that if we claim we know it all and can 'see', then we're accountable for responding to what we see!
Oh Lord, you're beautiful.
It's crazy to think that we could be spiritually blinded, and then maybe we wouldn't "worry" so much. We have these rules and things to live by since we know Jesus, but that's not really what we gain with him - what we gain is so much more! It's easy for me to say that now, but you guys are right! I can't imagine what it would be like for someone who is not of the faith to accept something that is so crazy and foreign to them. The people I have dealt with in coming to the faith have been people who had no beliefs before, or were just question the faith that they had prior experience with. They've been very receptive, but what about someone who really has a strong foundation in something else?
Ever try to convince someone that your sports team is better? oh boy...
If we can't even change that, how could we EVER change our faith?
I'll be sure to keep that in mind in the discipling the lord has me do.
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