Lessons from John Chapter 9

Folks,

I was reading John 9 (Jesus heals a man born blind) and as I meditate on it, I couldn't help thinking of these issues which if you don't mind, allow me to share.

The whole chapter (41 verses) is devoted to that incredible story, a familiar story that's worth reading again. In the earlier chapters we were told Jesus was teaching his disciples but was slowly revealing more and more of himself, his power and his mission. What is God telling us in this particular story in Chapter 9 of the Gospel of John?

As I see it, there were 5 principal parties involved namely (1) Jesus himself as the Son of Man (2) the man born blind (3) his parents (4) the temple authorities namely the Pharisees (5) The witnesses: the disciples who were with Jesus at the time, the blind man's neighbours and all those who knew him.

This is not a parable but an actual historic event to demonstrate among others, the power and discretion of God. A miracle performed that day on a man born blind who was destined to see. Why God chose this particular man is anybody's guess. No name was recorded. We were not told how he felt when he was blind, whether secretly he had ever begged God to intervene but when he could see, he believed and worshiped Jesus who had healed him.

The impact of that transformation must have far reaching consequences for Jesus disciples (like strengthening their faith for instance) and other lay-witnesses all of which should have contributed to increased numbers of Jesus followers. I am sure it did.

But not so with the temple authorities namely the Pharisees (although it was reported some were divided in their assessment of the case). What about his parents? It was said the parents were afraid to be "put out of the synagogue" and therefore did not confess God when they had their chance. How sad but even so that can happen to some of us even today.

How did Jesus feel about all this? Jesus' saving grace and compassion on one ordinary man simply irked the authorities. Man's pride throughout the ages hasn't changed much, has it? He took the opportunity to rebuke the authorities of his day because they had become spiritually blind and any good thing not sanctioned by them was seen as a threat to their power or greed which they continually used to suppress those they rule.

The story is long, has many twists but sweet. Suffice for me to testify that God is patient and compassionate. He wants us to know that with Him miracles do happen (even today) and blessed are those who believe in Him and acknowledge that with Him all things are possible. But God's judgment will await all those who can physically see but remain spiritually blind due to pride and wrong decisions. Restoring the eyes of blind men is a miracle to Man but I think to God it's all in a day's work!

Let's give Jesus his due. I had my sight (physically) restored recently. So I can echo those same words. One thing I do know. I was (literally) blind once but now I see.

Go, read and enjoy John Chapter 9 your goodselves! See especially the blind man's courageous stand that's recorded in verses 30-33. Indeed, if this Son of Man is not from God how could he open the eyes of a man born blind?

Let's listen to this beautiful piece of music entitled "Creation Calls" by Brian Doerksen, view below or use this link to take you there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0

Like you, I came, I saw and I believe. Praise the Lord.

dc