Eyes to See

In John 9 there is an amazing story. Amazing for so many reasons.

Jesus gives sight to a man who was blind from birth. This has never been done before; ever.

The Jewish leaders couldn't decide if this was really the man who had been blind, even though he kept telling them that he had been born blind, but now he could see. Satan obviously has blinded their eyes. What a tragedy that they were so blinded by their own sin, that they could even admit that this man had been blind.

His parents were so afraid of being kicked out of the synagogue that they would not answer the leaders any more than, "yes he was blind, but we don't know how he sees". Why fear those who can only kick you out of the synagogue, when the One who can give sight to the blind and can kick you out of Heaven is right in front of you?

The blind man has to give his testimony repeatedly because of the stubbornness of the leaders. They keep asking him the same question and he keeps answering the same way. Finally he tells them that Jesus couldn't be a sinner, just because He gave him sight on the Sabbath, because God doesn't answer the prayers of sinners. He must be sent by God to do this kind of thing.

The leaders knew this was true, but were too busy trying to set Jesus up that they wouldn't admit it. When the blind man finally tells them that Jesus can't be a sinner, they are so mad they throw him out. But before they do they have to add, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" These is like saying, "You're not the boss of me". So devilishly childish.

The leaders kick him out of the synagogue, but do you think he really cared? He woke up blind, just like he had every other day of his life, and now he could see the hypocrisy of the leaders. There is no way he would want to associate with them. He could clearly see their filth.

Jesus not only opened his physical eyes but also his spiritual eyes. What an amazing testament to the power of sin in lives who are searching for evil. But also what an amazing testament to the power of God in the lives of sinners.

It is only by God's grace that our spiritual eyes are open. we can't argue someone into His Kingdom, as there are many who are strongly opposed to the Gospel, but we can live it out and when they are interested in the change in us, then we need to share. The difference may not be as drastic as blind to sight, but it should be very noticeable.