September 24, 2025 - John 7-9

“. . . the Jews were seeking to kill him” (7:1).  Yeah, but they could do nothing to Jesus unless he let them!  Later, Jesus explained, “I lay down my life that I may take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (10:17,18).  After entering Jerusalem that last time, Jesus was troubled, yet he acknowledged, “But for this purpose (to die) I have come to this hour” (12:27).  And so, the story goes precisely as the Father has determined and with Jesus obediently laying down his own life for his people.

One of the great testimonies from all history, I think, was given by the man born blind, but given sight by Jesus:  “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see” (9:25).  He had been touched by Jesus and, now, he saw.   Another hymn in its entirety:

Lord, I was blind: I could not see

in thy marred visage any grace;

but now the beauty of thy face

in radiant vision dawns on me.

Lord, I was deaf: I could not hear

the thrilling music of thy voice;

but now I hear thee and rejoice,

and all thine uttered words are dear.

Lord, I was dumb: I could not speak

the grace and glory of thy name;

but now, as touched with living flame,

my lips thine eager praises wake.

Lord, I was dead: I could not stir

my lifeless soul to come to thee;

but now, since thou hast quickened me,

I rise from sin’s dark sepulcher.

Lord, thou hast made the blind to see,

the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak,

the dead to live; and lo, I break

the chains of my captivity!   --William T. Matson (1868)