There’s a lot of talk about blindness in this reading. That was precisely the reason this man was born blind. God wanted to use him as a teachable moment to point out who is truly blind. The timing of his encounter with Jesus couldn’t be more perfect. I wish we knew his name, but that wasn’t the point.
What saddens me is when people are blind to the truth and don’t even know it. They walk around living life, feeling like they have a grip on things, and yet the reality they see does not include God or God’s wisdom. Spiritual blindness is like that. Let’s unpack this reading. What spoke to you?
Did you notice the need to blame the man’s blindness on sin? Apparently, it was common to think that a person’s calamity was due to some past, present, or future sin. The disciples seemed more interested in figuring out that riddle than actually helping the man. Jesus immediately stepped in and offered healing, despite not being asked directly.
The Pharisees had a field day with this whole situation. The spectacle caught the attention of some people who seemed to want to trap Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Had they witnessed Jesus doing this before?
The healed man’s faith comes into play as he almost defends Jesus to the Pharisees. “If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” I suppose it would have been very uncomfortable being questioned by the authorities about what had happened. On the one hand, you’d be so delighted to be able to see, but on the other, you’d see how the Pharisees were trying to manipulate things. The Pharisees were to be respected, weren’t they? This man’s actions promptly resulted in being thrown out of the synagogue.
Did the healed man’s openness to believing surprise you after all that had happened? He had also been obedient in following Jesus’ instructions to wash after allowing Jesus to put dirt and spittle on his eyes. There was faith stirring in that man’s heart when he encountered Jesus.
Woe to the Pharisees who heard Jesus speak these words. “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” They couldn’t see Jesus for who he was. They wouldn’t allow themselves to believe. It’s always been a mystery to me why they were so blind.
Am I blind? Are you blind? Are we blindly blind, not realizing we’re guilty like the Pharisees? Sometimes I wonder, especially when my viewpoints or understanding of truth differ from those of people I care about. Have you ever wondered if you’re missing something?
I resolve these times of doubt with prayer, worship, or digging deeper into the Word. Asking for discernment is so refreshing. Even if clarity escapes me, the feeling of peace reassures me, and God’s truth is revealed.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, may my eyes be open to your truth. Give me the clarity I need to navigate issues that face me each day. You have placed me in a position of authority, and I want to reflect your ways well. Help me discern your truth from the lies of the world. If I am spiritually blind, please forgive me and help me to see. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
