“Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” John 9.35-41
How interesting. Are we to believe these words of Jesus? To take what he says at his word? I think so. Therefore when Jesus says, “I have come into this world so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind,” we must believe what he says.
What does he mean by this? First, those who are blind spiritually, distant from God, lost in sin will be able to see that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Second, those who claim they can see, like the Pharisees, will become blind. They will be judged for their supreme egos and thinking they can save themselves.
I was blind until I met the Lord at the age of 17. I was steeped in sin, unaware of my actions, living life according to my own wants and desires. Until I surrendered to him, believed in his grace to save me and called upon his name. At that point his Holy Spirit came into my life, restored me and set me on the path of righteousness.
Many remain who are spiritually blind and they live and dwell within the church as well as outside its’ walls. Just as the Pharisees were inside the synagogues (i.e. “church”) and blind to the grace of God through Jesus Christ, so we have people today who attend church but are still blinded to his love, his grace, his truth. They pick up agendas which are contrary to Scripture, die on hills that Jesus never intended, and divide the church.
I dare say I am imperfect in how I practice my faith, but I believe I have been given sight. Like the blind man who was saved out of desperation and destitution, so I have been given grace. I recognize God’s ways are best and believe the Bible to be his perfect, inspired Word.
Much more is contained in this passage than I’ve touched on today but I’ll conclude with Jesus’ words, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” Confess your sins, turn to the Lord, believe his Word and receive spiritual sight so you might be able to do his work in this world.
“O Lord God, I am not a judge of anyone but I do believe your word and what it says. Thank you for giving me sight and for allowing me to find hope, truth and solace in your word. I thank you Lord for your power in my life and for the grace to stand before you, blameless and forgiven. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me walk in your ways and acknowledge your love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen