BLIND TO THE OBVIOUS

 John 9:28-34  Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from." The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. (NIV)

Giving sight to a man, who had been born blind, was no ordinary event. Yet the religious leaders refused to accept that Jesus' miracles were a sign of the presence of God. They hated Jesus because He exposed them as shallow, power-hungry and self-glorifying. So they interrogated the healed man and his parents, trying to find any reason to discredit Jesus. Eventually, after they had asked many questions, the man provocatively asked if they also wanted to be disciples of Jesus.They were furious and threw off their official dignity. Hurling insults at the man, they accused him of theological ignorance. But his reply was wise: he considered his healing was from God with whom Jesus must have been in a very good relationship. If Jesus was not from God, He could do nothing. It was obvious to the man that Jesus had God's authority, because the healing was so remarkable. Those comments made the Pharisees even angrier, and they banned him from worshipping in the synagogue.

Their behaviour was like arrogant bullies who were out of their depth. Insults are easy ammunition when true arguments cannot be found. Although they claimed to speak the truth about God, their real intention was to preserve their own religious power over the people. Despite all the evidence, they were blind to the truth about Jesus. Such people exist everywhere today. While they are in control they seem reasonable and even wise; but when they realise that Jesus really is the Master of everything they throw their hatred at anyone who is unashamed of belonging to Him. 

Endure that hardship; it is not a sign that God has abandoned you. No! Instead, it shows that you truly are part of His kingdom. So do not be intimidated by those who are blind to the obvious; just make sure you keep Jesus in sight and follow Him.

Prayer:  God of truth and love. Thank You that Jesus is Lord of all. Yet I am sad when many refuse to believe, and when they attack me for my faith in Christ. Forgive me for being frightened of them, and sometimes hiding my faith. Please help me to show people that Jesus is truly the Saviour of the world, the friend of sinners and the shepherd of the lost sheep. Instead of fearing those who attack me, help me to understand that they are spiritually blind. May I pray for them and have the courage to speak the truth about Jesus, so that they might be saved too. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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