John 9:8-34 Blinded by Pride
No one before Jesus had ever opened the eyes of the blind. It was easier for some to believe that it was a different man, who looked the same and wore the blind man’s clothes and kept claiming that he had been healed. It is curious that the more outstanding the miracle the greater lengths some will go to deny it. There are countless testimonies of lives changed by believing in Jesus but all that weight of glory can’t change the mind of someone who knows that all this religion stuff is just made up. Luke 16:31, “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
The man reports concisely and exactly what happened to him. The works of God don’t need elaboration, they are glorious just as they are. Did you grow up in a Christian home and just believe as naturally as breathing? The sufficiency of Christ that kept you while your peers wandered into foolish and dangerous ways is miraculous. Did you wander and did Christ find you again and again? Praise God, the Good Shepherd kept you, even when you tried to run away.
Where is Jesus? Everybody wants to know; the man wants to worship him, the neighbors want to see and hear more, the Pharisees want to kill him. Even today people seek Jesus for different reasons. Are we merely curious, do we want security in this life, do we need healing, are we seeking him to worship him?
When the Pharisees hear the story they are divided. Some of them only wanted a savior who would follow their rules and stay in the box they built for him. Jesus did not fit into the box. Others were open to God being God. Are there similar camps in today’s Christian world?
The Pharisees have a real problem on their hands. If Jesus opened the eyes of someone born blind, he might be the Christ, at least the masses would think so. But, that would mean the end of their religious supremacy, and they could not allow that. They had to find an escape. They pour doubt on the man’s story. To those who are under conviction by the works of God any way to doubt seems better than giving in to the call to believe.
The parents of the man were put on the spot. Their station in the society had always been dicey and now they were in danger of being excluded completely. This miraculous healing of their son put them potentially at odds with the authorities. They chose to stay in the world and enjoy the fruits of Egypt rather than walk into faith and the adventure of life with God.
It is possible to break the rules without sinning and it is possible to follow the rules and sin thereby. Jesus broke their rules but did not sin. They followed the rules and were full of sin.
The man is past being intimidated by the powerless. Anyone who has encountered real power can’t be tricked again by the mummery of dead religion. He sticks to his story which is the most important truth of his life, “I was blind but now I see!” Now the man has made his choice. He will be Jesus’ disciple even though the authorities will hate him for it.
They claim to not know where Jesus is from even though a check of temple records would show his birthplace and Jesus had already told them, “You are from below; I am from above.” John 8:23.
Having to navigate with sight for the first time in his life and having his dream of joining society shredded by the discovery that the ‘leaders’ were powerless bullies was a bit much for one day. The man has completely lost patience with them. He shouldn’t have to explain what is clear to any honest person; God did a miracle, his name is Jesus!
They threw him out. Out of the temple, out of the synagogue, out of society. Sometimes mean people do you the favor of refusing to associate with you. Count it a blessing. Our pride is the most dangerous obstacle between us and God. The blind man had little to none, so faith came with sight. But the Pharisees, steeped in pride, wouldn’t believe even when the power of God was in their face. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23. May God give us the grace of crucifying our pride and walking humbly with Jesus.
brotherpayne 