True Vision
(Based on John Chapter 9)
“We live in a world where people look down on those who have any form of disability, but let us realize the greater disability is when we are not able to see ourselves for who we are and are unable to recognize God for who He is”
Often when we meet or pass by someone who has any sort of disability, how do we react to that person? Do we overlook them, look at them curiously, feel a tinge of pity, wonder what caused their disability or do we go out of our way to be loving to them? Sadly, in many cultures of the world, there is a wide-spread belief that disability is a consequence of sin, or the result of some curse on the family, or the individual. There are also those who go so far as to think that the differently-abled were not even created by God.
John Chapter 9 will, I believe, open our eyes to see things from a different perspective, and help us understand the heart of God towards those struggling with disabilities, and in the process have a better understanding of where we stand before Him.
The Strange Question
As Jesus and his disciples passed by, they noticed a man who was blind from birth. This was the question of the disciples to Jesus as recorded in John 9:2, “And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (NKJV)
This question was a strange one for two reasons. Firstly, if as the disciples had assumed that this man’s parents had committed sin that deserved the birth of a blind boy, they failed to realize that the word of God in no uncertain term declares in Ecclesiastes 7:20 “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” (NKJV). If one were to go with this assumption of the disciples that disability was the consequence of sin, then based on the above verse, every person should be born with some sort of disability, since everyone has sinned.
Secondly, here was a man who was born blind. There was no way a baby could have sinned in his mother’s womb so as to be born with some sort of disability.
Therefore, on both counts, this was completely illogical, but sadly this was the understanding that prevailed then and does so even today. Every baby that is conceived and born into this world is part of God’s divine plan, and only when we understand that, will we value them, irrespective of what their abilities or disabilities are.
When Moses had this amazing encounter with God at the burning bush and was called by God to deliver the people of Israel from Pharaoh’s cruel hands, he tried to excuse stating that he could not speak eloquently, as he was slow of speech and tongue. Read this response that God gave Moses as found in Exodus 4:11, “So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? (NKJV) The message of God to Moses was categorical that He was the Creator of all.
The Unexpected Answer
Here is Jesus’s astonishing answer to the disciples as found in John 9:3, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. (ESV)
Jesus was clear-cut in his response, that the situation that the man found himself in was not the result of his sins or his parents’ sins, but was so that God’s mighty power might be manifested through him, and God’s name would be glorified thereby.
If there are any who are struggling to accept their own disabilities, or those of their children, the word of God comes to assure such people that God is in perfect control and He can do the impossible. Every child is God’s precious gift, created in His own image and most certainly for a special purpose.
A Unique Miracle
We read in John 9:6-7, “Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!” (ESV)
Here’s the amazing miracle that Jesus performed on the man. After Jesus spit on the ground and made mud with His saliva, He sent him to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. When the man went in obedience and washed his eyes in the pool, his blindness vanished and he received his eyesight. This was a most astounding miracle, for never before had anyone ever seen or heard of a man born blind receiving his sight. This man received his miracle when he stepped out in faith believing that Jesus had the power to make him see.
The Mixed Reaction
As we read in John 9:8-24 we can identify so many groups of people there who responded so differently to this amazing miracle that Jesus performed.
• The Unbelieving Neighbours
Here was a group of people, some his neighbors, and those who knew him for a long time blind and begging, who were of two minds. While some recognized him as one who was healed, the other group even questioned his identity. The man who had been blind had to confirm his own identity and also explained in detail the miracle that Jesus performed. Instead of rejoicing with him, these were those who thought this most improbable.
Isn’t it strange that we live in a world that functions mostly on trust, and yet when it comes to matters pertaining to God, there is skepticism? Think of all the systems we put our trust in on a daily basis – health, transport, finance, communication, education, etc., and yet so many find it so hard to put their faith in the God who created the entire universe, and each one of us. God’s wonders are manifest all around us, every single day, and may we put our trust in Him without any doubt.
• The Legalistic Pharisees
The next group of people that the man who was healed had to contend with was the Pharisees who interrogated him. These Jewish leaders had a new problem for this man who was healed. It so happened that the day that Jesus had healed him was on the Sabbath day and one of the Ten Commandments prohibited work on the Sabbath. Over the years the rabbis and scribes who worked on these commandments in great detail, had put together numerous man-made rules and regulations that one had to adhere to on the Sabbath. Healing on the Sabbath day was therefore considered as work, and hence the authenticity of Jesus was now being questioned.
In another incident, this was the response of Jesus to those who questioned his disciples plucking the heads of grain and eating on the Sabbath. In Mark 2:27-28, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” (NLT)
There was love behind the law, but over the years this had been misunderstood and therefore the true meaning of the law was missed. It is important for us to understand that God desires that everything we do be an outcome of the love that we have for God. No wonder then, Jesus summed up the entire law with these two commandments, love God and love your neighbor.
The Pharisees were so blinded by the law and traditions that they could not rejoice with the man over his healing. They questioned Jesus’ deity and declared Him to be a sinner. They prided themselves in the fact that they were disciples of Moses and in the bargain missed out on the Messiah whom Moses prophesied about. They assumed that Jesus was breaking the law when in truth Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.(ESV) The fact of the matter was that only Jesus could fulfill all of the law and the prophets and hence was the only one who was worthy to take upon Himself the sins of all mankind on the cross of Calvary. The legalism of the Pharisees made them doubt the Miracle-worker and decry the astounding miracle.
This is a caution to those who value traditions of men over the commandments of God. Those who have missed the aspect of love behind the law are still bound by legalistic righteousness. The consequence of such legalism will lead to self-righteousness, which is often accompanied by unbelief and condemnation of others. When traditions blind us we can easily miss out on the truth and begin to flounder in the dark.
• The Simple Few
We read about this other group of people in John 9:16, “Others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?’ And there was a division among them.” (NKJV)
While some of the Pharisees questioned the authority of Jesus and the authenticity of the miracle, this group of people begged to differ. They realized that Jesus could certainly not be a sinful man, as the miracle He performed was unheard of, and a most astonishing one. They witnessed the miracle and realized that there was something special about Him.
Even today we have those who are willing to accept the Lord Jesus and place their trust in Him with no questions whatsoever. They have experienced the Lord as their healer, protector, provider, saviour and are content to accept Him in their own simple way.
• The Fearful Parents
The Pharisees were not satisfied with just hearing from the man who was healed. They wondered if this whole thing was a mix-up and if the man who claimed to have been healed was truly born blind in the first place. In order to have their doubts clarified they sought out the man’s parents. The man’s parents confirmed that the one who was healed was indeed their son who was born blind and that he had also received his sight. However, they did not want to share any further details but palmed off this responsibility to their son, who they said could answer for himself as he was old enough to do so. The real reason, however, for this evasive response by the parents is found in John 9:22, “His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.” (ESV) Their primary reason for not wanting to take up for their son was that they feared being expelled from the synagogue.
There are many people who in their hearts do believe and know who Jesus is, but sadly like the parents of this blind man who was healed, they are more concerned about losing their place of prominence in their family or society. They long for acceptance and approval of men and are willing to forfeit their need to be accepted by God.
• The Bold Man
The one who was at the center of all this controversy was unmoved. Here are some of the courageous declarations he made about Jesus to the Pharisees and Jews who were interrogating him.
• He is a prophet – John 9:17, He said, “He is a prophet.” (NKJV)
• He is my healer – John 9:25, He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” (NKJV)
• He is holy – John 9:31, “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.” (NKJV)
• He is a miracle worker – John 9:32, “Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind.” (NKJV)
• He is from God – John 9:33, “If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.” (NKJV)
He then went on to more brazenly ask them if their rigorous inquiry of him was so that they too might become Jesus’ disciples. This blind man who was healed had not even seen Jesus as yet, but his faith was firm and unshakeable. He recognized that Jesus was not a mere man, and he acknowledged him to be a prophet, healer, holy one, miracle worker, and one who was sent from God. The man knew that his confession of Jesus would mean expulsion from the synagogue, but he was ready to face it all. That day not only were his physical eyes opened, but there was a greater miracle when he saw Jesus through his spiritual eyes.
That’s what happens when one has this encounter with the living Lord. We begin to recognize God for all that He truly is. The greatest miracle that one can receive is when we have this life-changing meeting with the risen Lord Jesus. He comes in to transform our lives and like the blind man who was healed, fills us with the courage to stand up for Him and to be a bold witness for Him.
The Divine Revelation
Once the blind man who was healed took this bold step to express his perception of who Jesus was, he had to face the inevitable. The Pharisees had him expelled from the synagogue and disgraced him as one who was utterly sinful and not worthy to be part of their commune. One is filled with awe as we read this narrative from John 9:35-41 to see how Jesus revealed Himself to the man and those who were with him.
1. The Lord who seeks and restores
We read in John 9:35, “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” (NKJV)
As soon as Jesus heard that this blind man who was healed had been expelled, He immediately comes searching for him and finds him. Is that not what Jesus said He came down to the earth for, as written in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (ESV). Think about the various people that Jesus went seeking after while here on the earth, Zacchaeus, The Samaritan Woman, the invalid who was healed at the pool at Bethesda to name a few. This is the heart of Jesus to seek after and restore those who are sinful, hurt, wearied, the lost, rejected, and outcasts who think there is no hope for them.
This is also the call of God to us who are His children to seek after those who are lost without Christ and are burdened with sin and guilt. We are chosen to be the salt and light who can bring meaning and hope to those who are floundering to find their way out of life’s darkness and mess.
2. The Lord who reveals Himself to us and strengthens our faith
In John 9:35-37 we read, Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” (NKJV)
Not only did Jesus search and find the man, but He also went on to reveal His true identity to the man who was healed. He revealed Himself to the man as the Son of God. All through Scriptures, God revealed Himself to us in various ways. Of course, the best revelation came to us only through the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the blessed privilege to know Him as the creator, Emmanuel (God with us), Miracle worker, The Way, The Truth, The Life, The Resurrection, The Bread of Life, The Good Shepherd, The Son of Man, our Risen Saviour, Son of God, Burden-bearer, Forgiver of our sins, Counselor, Provider, Protector, Light in our darkness, and so much more. We have the awesome privilege to know this God in a personal way, to have a relationship with Him, to communicate with Him at any time knowing that He is ready to listen to us.
3. The Lord who is worthy of our worship
We read about this man’s response in John 9:38, “Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. (NIV)
On realizing who Jesus was the immediate response of this blind man was to worship Him. The Lord is indeed worthy of all our worship and this worship should be given to Him, not only one day of the week but should be our response every day of our lives. The word of God teaches us that there are various ways in which we can worship God; in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24), with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19), declare His glory and Splendor as the Psalmist did in most of the Psalms and by offering our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1) Everything we do and say should be an act of worship that will honor and glorify God in every way.
4. The Lord who is a Just Judge
In John 9:39 we read, Jesus said, “For judgment, I came into this world,..”(ESV)
Jesus declared to the people there that one of the reasons He had come into the world was to bring judgment. Our Lord is a loving God, but it is also important to understand that the other aspect of God is that He is just. and therefore He will judge those who do wrong. Hebrews 9:27 clearly admonishes us that. “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (ESV)
5. The Lord who rids us of our spiritual blindness
This was Jesus’ words to the Pharisees and Jews in John 9:39-41, And Jesus said, “For judgment, I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains. (NKJV)
In this case, tradition and unbelief had so blinded the Jewish leaders that they were unable to realize their own sinful state and thereby failed to recognize who Jesus really was. There are other factors too that can cause one to be spiritually blind, like ignorance (Matthew 13:19), Satan (2 Corinthians 4:3-4), hatred towards one’s brother or sister (1 John 2:11), hardened hearts (John 12:39-40) and also when one’s deeds are evil (John 3:19-20). It is only the Lord Jesus who can remove this veil of spiritual blindness from one’s heart. Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 3:16, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord the veil is taken away.” (NKJV)
In conclusion, we understand that the man who was blind not only received his physical sight but his spiritual eyes too were opened to see who Jesus really was. We live in a world where people look down on those who have any form of disability, but let us realize the greater disability is when we are not able to see ourselves for who we are and are unable to recognize God for who He is. May the Lord open our eyes of understanding so that we will be able to comprehend God in all His fullness and live in the light, a life that is totally pleasing to Him in every way.
