3/16/20

Our scripture this week is John 9:1-41.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
John 9:1-7

This week’s scripture gives us insight to some of the beliefs of Jesus’ time, such as the thinking that disabilities were sent from God as punishment for sin. When His disciples ask, Jesus replies that neither the man nor his parents sinned, and He heals the blind man. Jesus will use this opportunity to make a point to them, the religious leaders, and the entire community.

He makes mud, places it on the man’s eyes, and sends the man to wash in a nearby pool. This mirrors our creation from the dust of the earth and our need to be washed clean in order to reconnect with God. Jesus is telling us that God made us and that only God can make us whole again.

Allowing the blind to see is an analogy that we encounter many times in scripture, showing us that Jesus came to open our eyes to the reality of God’s love for us. Once we are able to see this for ourselves, we are called to open the eyes of others to this blessing. Our testimony to the truth of Christ is how we share His love with everyone.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of Jesus to reveal Your love for us. Help us to be the means of sharing Your love and mercy with everyone. Amen.

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