Was Blind but Now I See
30 Days in John - Day 10
The disciples’ question, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” revealed how the disciples were already thinking about suffering and sin. First, Jesus set their theology straight, but He also used the question as an opportunity to reveal Himself as “The Light of the World.”
Jesus then healed the man’s blindness with spit, mud, and a trip to the pool of Siloam for a washing. Jesus did the work, but the blind man had to respond in faith/obedience.
The neighbors are confused but curious.
The Pharisees are certain but hostile.
There was an informal inquisition before the Pharisees who had prejudged the question of Jesus’ legitimacy. The parents were called to testify. They are cautious - lamentably more concerned about being put out of the synagogue than speaking the truth.
Then, a second hearing before the Pharisees was convened. It turned tragically ironic with the man who had been healed schooling them with sarcasm about Jesus’ legitimate claims to be the Messiah. They did what people often do when they can’t win a debate on merits. They expelled the man.
The implication is that he was not merely forced out of the room, but excommunicated from the faith. For the blind man it meant loss of community and identity. For the Pharisees it was a move that signaled a threat to anyone else who might confess Jesus as the Christ. Also demonstrating that the parents fears were not unwarranted.
Jesus then seeks the man out and invites him into another faith, faith in Jesus Christ Himself. A Faith is no longer mediated through institutions but through a Person.
The heart of this text, the point and conclusion to which it leads, is this spiritual truth:
Those who claim to see are and remain blind.
Those who confess their blindness receive sight.
The beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” catches the thought with that line: “I once was lost, but now I’m found; was blind but now I see.”
This is the anthem of everyone who believes in Christ.
This is SO wonderful! This is the first I’m reading of this series and I love it! Will be going back to review the other 8 days and excited to see the next 21 days! Thank you so much for sharing. I feel like i say this about EVERY book in the Bible, but truly John is one of my favorites. One you can read over and over again. Well done.