“Whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” –John 9:25
The life and ministry of Jesus impacted many people in the communities through which he traveled. The teachings of Jesus changed how people understood the law and their religious practice. Several people were blessed by his willingness to speak the wonderful and peaceful words of forgiveness. And others were impacted by Jesus’ willingness to use his power to heal the sick.
John records a story that reminds us of the great compassion and work that Jesus performed on earth. In John chapter 9, Jesus and his disciples run across a man who has been blind from birth. The disciples wonder if his blindness is because of sin, but Jesus changes the topic to show his power over both sin and physical illness. Jesus spit on the ground, made mud, and placed it on the blind man’s eyes. After washing, the man was able to see.
Later, the Pharisees began to question the man had experienced the merciful work of healing. They wonder how he was healed and by whom. The Pharisees were troubled because Jesus performed this miracle on the Sabbath. They begin to debate the merits of the miracle and whether Jesus was a “sinner” because he would work on the Sabbath.
The man, who had been blind, did not want to be caught in the debate with the Pharisees. He ended their discussion by sharing his story. He boldly spoke of his encounter with Jesus. He told them, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see.” (John 9:25)
This encounter in John’s gospel reminds us that we, like the Pharisees, often miss the most important things. This blind man was not a trained religious teacher. He was not a disciple of any religious leader, but he knew the power of love and mercy. When asked about Jesus, he shared what he knew. We, too, have encountered God at work in our lives. It is important to remember and give thanks for what God has done. When we share our understanding of God, let us remember the gift of love in our lives. Like the man born blind, we can impact the lives of others by sharing the love and hope of God.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
