September 16, 2023 - John 9-12

A man had been blind since birth, and Jesus healed him, giving him his sight. Following the story of the healing, my Bible has for the following report the heading “The Pharisees Investigate the Healing.” What, they investigated the healing?!?!?! The man had never had the use of his eyes and, now, he sees! What’s there to investigate?

The man had been blind from birth, and Jesus’ disciples, so susceptible to the prevailing theological currents, concluded that this blindness was the consequence of either his sin or the sin of his parents. Not! After the healing, many just could not believe so great a miracle had taken place. They answered, this is not the man, “but he looks like him” (9:9). Nope, he's the blind man. Jesus healed him!

What follows, as the religious leaders doubt the miracle and interrogate the man, is almost comical: “Then they asked him, ‘What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?’ ‘I already told you and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don’t want to become His disciples too, do you?’” (9:26,27) Of course, they didn’t! But what a sweet turn of words from this blind man, who once was blind, but then could see! Regarding the matter of spiritual sight, the words of Clara Scott ought to be the prayer of every sinner.

Open my eyes that I may see

glimpses of truth thou hast for me.

Place in my hands the wonderful key

that shall unclasp and set me free.

Silently now I wait for thee,

ready, my God, thy will to see.

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine! -- Clara H. Scott (1895)