Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
The religious leaders were skeptical when word reached them. Surely there must be some mistake here. No one can open the eyes of a man blind from birth.
So they called the formerly blind man to their counsel and asked him if it was true. They didn’t believe the man even when he affirmed Jesus had healed him. So they called his parents.
One can only imagine the parent’s fear at being summoned in such a way. They were afraid to answer, except to confirm this was their son and he was indeed born blind and to suggest they talk to him about it.
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue.
How sad when religion is held together by control and fear tactics. How different the respect and freedom in the true teaching from God!
Calling the man in for a second time, the leaders attempt to coerce him to agree with them that Jesus is a sinner and to deny Jesus’ part in the miracle.
The man’s reply - Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!
Their reaction? An attempt to ridicule that, as it turns out, is the highest compliment that can be given - You are this fellow's disciple! And they threw him out!
Students of the Teacher identify with this man, for their eyes too have been opened to His power to transform their lives.
Our challenge before a disbelieving world? To also be guilty of the charge – You are this fellow’s disciple!
Of all the people Jesus encountered, this blind man is one of my favorites. He spent his life surrounded by people who had eyes to see but couldn't see. When he came in contact with The Light he gained more than physical sight, he could see truth that all those around him could not see, or refused to accept. This man went from a nobody to a truly wise man. From his first contact with Jesus he was able to see that he was a prophet[remember his eyes weren't opened until he left Jesus and washed]. What I like best about this story is how this insignificant blind man becomes the teacher. What a transformation! What courage! All this from a first encounter. Just imagine what will happen when they meet again.
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious, if you are willing to look.
ReplyDelete"Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes."
Many in the world today refuse to look and see - they have eyes but don't see, ears but don't hear.
The miracles of Jesus speak for themselves - accredit him as being from God. Niccodemus understood this - the others chose to not see it.
How do we look at Jesus?
Do we look with glazed over eyes simply believeing what we have always been taught or heard and never really dig in and become more of His students?
Do we refuse to even look, saying it's all old wives tales and fables?
Or do we honestly look to Jesus, look at His life - to see and learn and let the evidence speak for itself? No one could do these things if He were not from God. No one.
When we truly look and study - attempting to put off preconceived notions as best as possible - and simply learn - then we become better students.