At First Sight

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Key Verse: Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.”

Observation: This rather lengthy reading from the gospel according to John recounts Jesus healing a man who was born blind. Having a child born without the ability to physically see was taken as proof that someone sinned. However, even with this understanding in mind, the disciples’ question doesn’t make much sense. How could an unborn child sin and bring about his or her own blindness? Are the disciples declaring that God knew the man would grow up to be sinful and therefore created him blind in advance? Jesus answers that neither this man nor his parents sinned, but rather this man’s blindness was intended to reveal the works of God. Through the healing of this blind man, Jesus brings light into the world by exposing the danger of determining a person’s worth without knowing the full story. The Pharisees refuse to accept the blind man’s testimony based on what they think they know and are limited by what they perceive at first sight.

Analysis: We are reminded that we too have to be careful of judging people too quickly or too harshly. Jesus has come to open the eyes of the blind, both physically and spiritually. However, those who believe they do not need their eyes open are likely to miss the opportunity to receive sight. The Pharisees say they can see but are unable to see what is right in front of them. The man’s parents confirm that this is their son. The man repeatedly tells the story that Jesus gave him his sight. We get hung up on the physical healing but the man receives so much more. This man has the boldness that only comes with being renewed by the Holy Spirit. He is able to testify to Jesus’ goodness and the power of God even as the Pharisees (religious authorities) are telling him he is wrong. This man knows what he knows and is not willing to compromise for acceptance. His parents let him down, the religious leaders let him down, and his neighbors let him down because of their lack of sight. At first sight, it makes no sense to apply mud to someone’s eyes so that they can see. However, Jesus reminds us that the muddy things of this world are exactly the things that help us to see God at work.

Prayer: Gracious God, we are amazed at the ways you continue to reveal yourself to us. We pray for a renewed presence of God the Holy Spirit in our lives so that we remain aware of our blindness and seek your healing touch. We pray for the courage to be a witness to your light in the face of those who deny your power and your love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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