In the first part of this blog,I looked at John 9 and the incredible perspective that Jesus expressed when he stated that the man born blind was not experiencing retribution for his own or his parents’ sins. The disciples assumed his suffering was punishment.
Jesus claimed it was an opportunity to show God’s glory. And to punctuate His statement, Jesus went on to heal the man and restore his sight. Those who witnessed it firsthand saw the glory of God expressed in healing.
However, this glorious event was not without its detractors. The religious leaders and Pharisees who did not want to countenance the work of Jesus wrote off his actions as the work of a sabbath-breaker. Even though they had evidence standing in front of them that a true miracle had taken place, they chose opposition instead of worship, and disbelief instead of faith.They vehemently cross examine the man who was born blind but was now changed. (One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see, verse 25). Since he declares Jesus to be a prophet, they throw him out of the Temple.
It is in this action that the Pharisees reveal their true allegiance – it is definitely not with Jesus. Standing in front of them is a man whose supernatural healing they cannot disprove. They check with his parents, to be sure he really is the person who had been born blind.The parents affirm it. The evidence of God’s healing work unabashedly defends Jesus as a “man from God”. The Pharisees don’t want to listen.
What scares me most about this chapter is not the action of the Pharisees per se, but what their actions tell us about spiritual blindness. Here are men who are recognized for their erudition. They are students of the Law. They know their scriptures. They are revered, and somewhat feared, by the general public, placed high on a pedestal of religious accomplishment.Yet when Jesus performs what is an obvious work of God, declaring Himself that it is for God’s glory, they denounce him as a charlatan, reject the person who received the healing, and stand stolidly on the side of opposition. In the last 2 verses of the chapter, Jesus declares that they are guilty of spiritual blindness, in the midst of their religious achievements.
This scares me. Is it possible that we can be deeply accomplished in theological pursuits to such a degree that we could witness the glory of God played out before our eyes, and discount it because it does not line up with our cherished constructs? I fear not only is it possible, but it is still happening within the Body of Christ.Might we fail to appreciate the work of God in a life because it came in a context that was beyond our comfortable theological walls. When I read books, such as Nik Ripken's The Insanity of God (highly recommended) I realize that God is much bigger than my experiences of Him.
When I re-read John 9, I want to weep and turn the spiritual spotlight on my own cherished beliefs and actions. Lord help me not to miss seeing your glory at work! Don’t let my denominational alliances, or theological presuppositions, or cherished teaching partnerships keep me from seeing wherever and in whomever you are working. And when I do see You at work, let me, with the once blind but now healed man, cry “Lord, I believe” and fall at Your feet in worship.
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