Day 9

Opposition to removing blindness

John 9

Key Verses: 2, 16, 39

Remember from chapter eight that Jesus said He was the Light of the World? Now Jesus will demonstrate that power by bringing sight to a man born blind, in that day, one of the worst curses known. This kind of blindness was linked in their minds to direct sin, thus the questions. Jesus extends the meaning of light by connecting it to darkness and His presence. When He is here, Light is here. Jesus makes mud, puts it on the man’s eyes, tells him to wash, and his sight is restored in the process.

Now the theological problem comes to the forefront. Jesus did this miracle on the Sabbath day, a day when no work is to be done. So how can someone who rebels against God’s commands do such a great healing miracle? They are saying that either our understanding of the Sabbath is wrong, or this wasn’t a miracle. They can’t question the Sabbath, so they question the miracle. Their whole understanding and practice of their religion centers around the Sabbath, so to question that would be to have to start over theologically.

I love the fact that this blind man can stump the theologians! His logic is straightforward. Jesus has to be from God! And he says all this before he even really know who Jesus is. Jesus has become light to this man. Jesus took away his physical blindness and his spiritual blindness. He wants to take away our blindness as well. Are you willing to admit your blindness so that He can restore you sight? That is where salvation begins. We must admit we are blind spiritually, that we can’t see Truth. Then Jesus can restore our sight.

REVIEW: Acrostic Theme & each chapter’s phrase.