What am I doing here? On the best day of my life I’m standing in the Temple being interrogated by these Jewish leaders. What do they have against my miracle? They ask the same questions over and over!
“Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor.” (John 9:24)
My Goodness! What do they want me to say? Do they want me to slander the very Man who gave me sight?
I was born blind! Where were these men when I was begging in the street just to scrape up enough to eat? Where were they when I was a child and could not play like the other children? Where were they when I was being mocked because of some perceived sin, when my parents were judged because of my blindness?
They were here living the good life! Living high on the hog in this palatial temple!
I don’t care what they do to me. Jesus gave me sight! For the first time in my life I see people. They look different from what I imagined. Everything looks different from what I imagined. It is great to be able to see!
Are they blind? Can’t they see this miracle from God? Well, I’m going to tell them.
“I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind . . . I now see.”(John 9:25)
They look confused. Heck, I’m a little confused myself. Certainly He is a man from God! But what He did is unprecedented.
“What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” (John 9:26)
These guys don’t give up…
“I’ve told you over and over and you haven’t listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become his disciples?” (John 9:27)
I might have gone a bit too far with that response. Yeah, they look ticked.
“You’re nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!” (John 9:28)
Here come the guards.
“Not so rough guys, I know my way out. I can see now.”
***
This morning I was blind. My day started like every other day in my miserable life. I walked from home to where I beg, bumping into everything and everybody.
I wasn’t there long before I eavesdropped on an interesting conversation. Men were talking about me, my blindness, and sin. I listened intently.
“Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” (John 9:2)
I pondered that question myself. I had often wondered why I was born blind. Perhaps this Rabbi knew, but how could he?
Unless He was this Jesus. People said He was a miracle worker of some sort, and a Prophet. Well, I needed a miracle! I had been waiting all my life for someone like Him.
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered them.“This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:3)
I knew it was not my sin, I was born blind. But I had wondered about my parents. This Jesus said it was not due to their sin either.
This did not agree with our traditions. Everyone blamed my parents, even the Pharisees. But Jesus said I was born this way so God could show off.
I thought, “Well God–show off! If you truly are who they say you are, you can do this.”
“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5)
I wanted that light. I lived in darkness. I wanted to put this Jesus to the test. To see if he could give me sight.
Then I felt mud in my eyes. Yes mud! Jesus rubbed mud in my eyes.
“Go, wash at the Pool of Siloam” (John 9:7)
I thought, “You got it Rabbi, what do I have to lose.” But I wished He would have sent me somewhere closer. That was quite a hike. I had to traverse through a lot of people because of the festival–and the steps! Going down those horrible steps to the pool took forever! I thought I would never make it. But I did.
I washed my face, and there was this bright light. Then I saw images. I saw my reflection in the pool. I saw other people too. I even saw those horrible steps. I ran up those steps, but they weren’t so horrible anymore!
I was blind, but now I can see!
***
It’s good to be outside. I can see the people, the markets, the animals, and the children. I can see everything! So what if they kicked me out the Temple, I can see!
People I know are just as amazed as me. Jesus is the real deal, and I don’t mind telling anybody that wants to listen.
Why is that man staring at me. I don’t recognize Him. I don’t recognize anyone. I didn’t recognize my parents until they told me who they were!
“Do you believe in the Son of Man? ”(John 9:35)
It’s Him, It’s Jesus. I recognize His voice.
“Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”
“You have seen him, and he is speaking to you!”
“Yes, Lord, I believe!” (John 9:36-38)
What else could I tell Him. I do believe. I know He is who He says He is. I must worship Him. I was blind and He gave me sight!
“I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” (John 9:39)
From my knees I see Pharisees across the street. Same men were in the room during my interrogation. They are not pleased.
“Are you saying we’re blind?” (John 9:40)
Geez, what a bunch of Praise Poopers! I’m not in their precious temple, I’m here with my Master, worshiping Him! Give me a break.
“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty, But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” (John 9:41)
In a lot of ways, they are more blind than I ever was, especially when it comes to you, Jesus. Oh, if they could only see you as I do!
Image from Google
Will Marler 