True Vision

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)