Their house burned down. Their car was stolen. He lost his job. And their kid grew up to be an axe-murder. So, I wonder, what did they do to deserve all of that?
That’s the question that the disciples asked when they saw a man, blind from birth. “Did the parents do something dreadfully wrong? Or, did the blind man deserve divine punishment for some wicked deed?”
Jesus’ answered, “Neither... it’s all part of God’s plan! ... Watch this!”
That’s when Jesus performed the sixth miraculous sign.
No hocus-pocus... Jesus just spit into the dust, made some goo, spread it on the blind man’s eyelids, and told him to go wash.
Presto. He was healed! Once blind, now 20-20!
What do you do with that? How do you respond to Jesus’ miraculous mercy and grace?
The neighbors were skeptical (John 9:8).
The religious leaders thought Jesus was a heretic. It was impossible for them to believe that God would use a carpenter’s kid, an untrained non-conformist! (John 9:16)
Mom and dad were scared of peer pressure and possible ridicule or other negative ramifications (John 9:22).
And the blind man? He gained physical sight that day, but he also gained spiritual insight and launched a pilgrimage of growing in grace and knowledge (II Peter 3:18). Take note of his growth. Watch his transformation.
He obeyed. That is, he went directly to the pool to wash. No arguments. No hesitation.
(John 9:11)
“He’s a prophet” (John 9:17). That’s a good place to start.
“He’s a miracle-worker, sent from God” (John 9:30-33). His understanding of who Jesus is continues to expand.
“He’s the Son of Man, the Son of God, the Lord, and He’s worthy of my worship!”
(John 9:35-38)
I’m sure that his growth didn’t stop here. He had already given testimony saying, “One thing I do know: I was blind and now I see!” (John 9:25)
I feel sure, the man never tired of repeating the story... of reveling in the mercy, might, and majesty of Jesus.
Are you growing? ... being transformed? ... gaining spiritual insight?
You have a similar story. When’s the last time you shared it?