Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 40

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Here you are as the man-born-blind — and you learn what real blindness is. The Pharisees overhear Jesus say that “those who see will become blind.” And you’re sure He’s talking about them!

Their question — “Are we blind too?” — anticipates a “NO!” answer. But Jesus gives them a “YES!” answer in spades. He says, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin . . .”

What a minute. Jesus is bringing up the issue of sin and guilt!
The very beginning of your chapter with Rabbi Jesus began with the disciples asking the SIN question: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

The Pharisees then accuse Jesus of being a SINNER because He “broke” the Sabbath (according to them). Others ask, “How can a SINNER perform such signs?” The Pharisees then guilt-trip you, the man-born-blind, because “it was your eyes he opened.”

After interrogating your parents, they then grill you again and declare, “We know this man is a sinner.” You then go too far and lecture the Pharisees who respond to your lecture with the words, “You were steeped in SIN at birth; how dare you lecture us!”

Now Rabbi Jesus says to the Pharisees who were eavesdropping: “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of SIN.” His clear implication is that the Pharisees are the SINNERS in the equation. They are, indeed, blind, but not physically. Jesus is really saying, “If you were blind to your sin, that would be an excuse. But you claim spiritual sight, and your guilt remains.”

“There are none so blind as those who will not see.” What sad words to end this, your encounter with the Lord Jesus. “Your guilt remains.” But your guilt has been taken care of by your faith in Rabbi Jesus. For the Pharisees — and for all who claim to see but really are blind — their guilt remains.

 

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 39

Is it not the case that the whole world can be divided into two groups: those who have been given spiritual sight and those who are still blind? As the man-born-blind you have been physically healed by Rabbi Jesus. And after He has found you — unceremoniously booted out of the synagogue — He has healed you a second time! You now have spiritual eyes and worship Messiah Jesus as you believe in Him. But our text tells of some who remain in their blindness.

Your physical healing provides the opportunity for Messiah Jesus to speak about a major aspect of His mission in coming into the world — judgment! Perhaps for years you had heard people whisper — or even say out loud — their belief that you were under God’s judgment of blindness. Now you hear Jesus speak of judgment.

As the Pharisees overhear Jesus’ purpose in coming into the world — “for judgment” — they realize He is speaking about them! He speaks of the blind beginning to see and “those who see will become blind.”

The Pharisees respond with “What? Are we blind too?” Their shocked response implies they still see you as . . . blind! But they are the blind.

The Greek language has a unique feature when a question is asked. If the little particle mé (μη) is used in a question, it implies that a negative answer is expected. And that’s what we have here. Their question to Jesus really is, “Surely, we’re not blind too, are we?”

There’s a famous statement in the 1713 Works of Thomas Chalkley where he writes, “There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.” (to be continued)

 

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 38

There have been some fascinating actors in your drama as the man-born-blind. The disciples of Rabbi Jesus who initiated the theological discussion about your blindness. Rabbi Jesus who spat on the ground, put mud on your eyes, and sent you to wash in the pool of Siloam. Your own experience of seeing for the very first time in your life! The neighbors and those who knew you from your begging days who weren’t sure who you were. The Pharisees who mercilessly grilled you so they could do away with Rabbi Jesus. And your parents. Your beloved parents who had to endure questioning by the Pharisees. So many actors in your story. And now your story is moving to a conclusion:

Even though your story has been primarily about Rabbi Jesus, the Pharisees have a final role to play. They have been around you from the moment you were brought before them after your healing. And now they overhear Jesus’ words: “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

It is somewhat impolite to eavesdrop on another’s conversation, but it is positively alarming when what is overheard is actually directed to those who are eavesdropping! Rabbi Jesus is claiming to have the right to judge. He actually stated so in John 5:22 when He said, “. . . the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”

Rabbi Jesus is claiming to have a two-fold responsibility in the world. The first He described early in your hearing when He explained WHY you had been born blind: “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” His first responsibility was to do the Father’s works.

His second responsibility was and is to bring judgment on those who do not believe, who refuse to see, who are content in their blindness. And this second work hits the Pharisees like a punch in the stomach. (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 37

What about those who don’t believe? Who don’t receive Jesus as Messiah? Whose eyes are not opened? What about them? Let’s look at our last few verses:

Your longing — as the man-born-blind — has been fulfilled. You have found Rabbi Jesus — rather He has found you! And you have put your faith in Him and are ready to follow Him. But apparently this conversation you just had with Him was not a private one. Others are listening in. And Rabbi Jesus makes a declaration that is intended to be overheard by His opponents. He says, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

Whatever does Rabbi Jesus mean? He indicates that He came into this world? Was His origin outside this world? He came on a mission, a mission of judgment? In a context in which you as the man-born-blind were hearing only judgment against yourself (“you were steeped in sin at birth!”) and judgment against Jesus (“this man is a sinner!”), Rabbi Jesus declares Himself to be on a mission of judgment. Is that the alternative to belief in Him — judgment? (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 36

What greater gift could the Messiah give you than physical sight? As the man-born-blind, you returned home wanting to thank Rabbi Jesus and begin to literally follow Him. Let’s look at our next few verses:

To your question, “Who is he, Sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him”, Rabbi Jesus answers in an indirect way. But His answer is unmistakable about His claim to be the Messiah: “You have now SEEN him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” I imagine quite a smile crossed your face as you heard Him affirm your brand new gift of VISION! “You have SEEN him!”

“Yes! I have”, you think to yourself. And the voice you have been hearing from the first words “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,” to these words “He is the one speaking with you” without doubt are from the same person who you could not see during the first words spoken to you but now see clearly when you hear this second group of words.

And there really is only one way to respond to Rabbi Jesus: “Lord, I believe.” And the logical expression of your belief is worship!

You have moved from an object of theological debate (“Lord, who sinned — this man or his parents — that he was born blind?”) to a visible, vision-filled, work of God now believing in and worshiping Jesus as the Messiah. What a transition! But not all are ready for such a life-choice to be made! (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 35

A readiness to believe. That’s what marks you now. As the man-born-blind, you’ve received your physical sight. Now you need to receive your spiritual eyes. And the very One you want to follow and have been looking for — has found you! Let’s look at our verses once more:

For the rest of human history your story will be told about Rabbi Jesus Himself leading you to saving faith! Along with your brand new eyes your entire life will be redeemed as you believe in Him. And what was required of you? Only a question and a promise. The question? “Who is he, sir?” Learning the true identity of Rabbi Jesus is the critical issue. Is he a sinner? Is he a prophet? Or is he the promised Messiah, the Son of Man?

One should not give away one’s faith to just anyone. Your question about Jesus’ identity is followed by your promise: “Tell me that I may believe in him.” Belief in Jesus is the point of this entire book of John in which your story, the extended story of your miracle, takes place. And you are willing to believe.

Is it too much to say that we long for such a response from those we meet and those we know and those we love? “Who is he?” and “Tell me that I may believe in him.” And we who know the Lord must stand ready to point Him out and gently guide others to put their faith in Him. (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 34

You’ve done it now! You’ve so insulted the Pharisees that they have kicked you out of the synagogue! Even though you spoke the truth — laced with some pretty strong sarcasm — you have now been excommunicated from the center of Jewish life. But your story isn’t over. In fact, now we’re going to get to the good part! Let’s continue with our text:

The question is: “Who is looking for who?” Rabbi Jesus hears that you have been thrown out of the synagogue, and He seeks you out! There was more work to be done by the One sent by the Father!

I would imagine that your heart was overflowing with thankfulness when Rabbi Jesus found you. You probably had a speech ready to deliver, to express your gratitude for this miracle of sight. But, it appears, you don’t get to speak first. The first words spoken are from Rabbi Jesus — and He doesn’t say a word about your healing. He doesn’t ask, “How’s your sight-seeing tour going?” or “I’m really sorry about all the trouble with the Pharisees.” No. He asks you a question: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

You remember from your Sabbath-school lessons that the expression “the Son of Man” was a reference to the coming Messiah, the Servant of Jehovah, the One who would finally provide atonement for His people. Not everyone, you knew, believes in the Son of Man. Not everyone acknowledges their need of a Savior.

So you answer Rabbi Jesus’ question with your own question, “Who is he, Sir? Tell me that I may believe in him.” This conversation seems roundabout, a slow circling around the identity of This One the Pharisees want to destroy. But you want to know. And you are willing to believe. (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 33

What is the worst thing that could happen to you, the man-born-blind, as a Jew? You’ve lived your whole life without sight! What could be worse than that? What would be worse is . . . to be kicked out of the synagogue, the center of Jewish religious and social life. Let’s notice what happens to you as you finish your “lecture”:

They “threw him out.” You knew that saying nice things about Rabbi Jesus would infuriate the Pharisees. Your parents knew the risk they were taking when they were grilled about your healing. But you had reached your breaking point and referred to Rabbi Jesus as a “prophet,” as someone whose prayers Jehovah God had listened to. And you indicated that you wanted to become Rabbi Jesus’ disciple and mockingly quizzed the Pharisees if they wanted to join you! So . . . you got excommunicated from the very center of Jewish life.

Excommunication. A very severe term. On a humorous note, I come from a Brethren assembly background. Someone has said, “If you’re a Catholic and you do something bad, you get excommunicated. If you’re a Baptist and you do something bad, you get disfellowshipped. But, if you’re from the assemblies and do something bad, you get disassembled!”

As the man-born-blind, you are crushed by the Pharisees’ judgment in expelling you from the company of God’s covenant people. You’ve paid a dear price for your honesty. But you’re determined to follow Rabbi Jesus. If you could only find him. (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 32

As the man-born-blind, you have logically attacked their ignorance. You’ve also insulted their position by using the pronoun “we.” “We know that God does not listen to sinners,” you said. You included yourself in the category of those who know. There Pharisees are not taking notes on your speech. They are close to picking up stones! Let’s look at our text once more:

To your conclusion, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing,” the Pharisees do not respond, “Hmmm. That’s a good point!” NO! They reply with the most hurtful ad hominem (argument against the person) they can verbalize: “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us.” The expression “steeped in sin” is literally “wholly begotten or born.”

Again their logic is flawed. We were ALL steeped in sin at birth! And what in the world does that have to do with the points you are making? They are not answering your arguments. They are simply — and cruelly — dismissing your person. And you will pay a steep price. (to be continued)

 

Insight from a Blind Man (A Study of John 9) Part 31

How does one control a conversation that seems to be filled with everything but a desire to know the truth? As the man-born-blind you now “have the floor” and you’re going to get some things off your chest. Let’s notice our next few verses:

You’ve now embarrassed the Pharisees for their ineptitude. They act like they know a lot, but they aren’t even informed as to where Jesus comes from. And they still can’t explain your standing before them, looking at them with brand new eyes!

This is your opportunity to do a little lecturing. You say, “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.” Oh, so now you’ve giving a lesson on prayer?! To those who were thought (as least by themselves) to be the experts on all things spiritual? One could argue with your statement, for if it were really true, no one would be heard by the Lord.

You continue with a blanket statement: “Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.” Talk about dogmatism! The overwhelmingly unique phenomenon of your personal healing contradicts all that these Pharisees know.

You then deliver your next few words to these furious theological combatants: “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” Your logic is unassailable; your challenge could not be clearer. These religious leaders are trying to explain away a mighty work of God that anyone who thinks logically would acknowledge! But those would be the last words you would be allowed to hurl back at your leaders. (to be continued)