“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind”? John 9 v 2
Do you ever have situations where you get yourself into an argument that is really of no consequence? Or do you find yourself being side-tracked into pointless discussions?
The story of the healing of the man born blind begins with one such discussion between Jesus and his disciples where they ask, “who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind”? If we take a second to think about this, we realise it is such a ridiculous question. If the man was born blind - how could he have sinned before he was born?
It shows the mindset of that day. The disciples had grown up in this highly religious culture and this question exposes the preoccupation with apportioning blame. The first concern here was not to see this man set free, he was the subject of a theological debate. You see the law looks for the cause rather than the solution. The law does not show compassion. The law is not designed to set someone free. Contrast this with Jesus' reaction. He sees the person. He looks past the problem and sees the solution. His heart is to bring freedom, to redeem and to restore. He looks and sees an opportunity to show love and bring glory to his Father and He answers their question saying, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in Him”. John 9 v 3.
Jesus spits on the ground, makes mud and places it on the mans eyes telling him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. The man returns and he is able to see. Some say that this was meant to parallel God’s original creation of man: “The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground”. Genesis 2:7 In other words, Jesus showed His power as the Creator by imitating the original creation of man: He used the “dust of the ground” to give the man born blind new sight. Jesus was modelling out how it all began. I love the reaction from the blind man. “Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” John 9 v 32-33
This man, who had lived a life of darkness had come into the light. Not only were his eyes opened to see the physical world around him, but his spiritual eyes had been opened to behold the glory of the Lord and he was left in no doubt of who Jesus really was. Jesus wants our eyes to be opened today to see him in his glory. To behold his goodness in our lives. To see the depth of love and grace towards us, not dependent on whether our lives are free of sin but because the sinless one has paid for us and has come to give us life.
Please remember to share this daily devotion with your friends, and if anyone wants to receive ‘Grace for Today’ directly then please just sign up via our website at www.exchangechurchbelfast.com
Who Do You Say I Am Series – Exchange Church Belfast 2020