Our scripture this week is John 9:1-41.
Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
John 9:16-23
People react differently to the healing Jesus performs in this lesson. The blind man seems surprised that there are so many questions and that his account is not believed – after all, he was blind and now he can see. His parents are afraid of being removed from the synagogue if they testify to the miracle. The Pharisees argue among themselves about Jesus, whether or not He is really from God.
Humans are extremely hard to convince. We know what we know and we don’t want to know anything else! Even when something amazing happens, we either ignore it, deny it or explain it away. This seems to be the case with the people at this point in our scripture.
God has miraculous gifts for us every day. The very fact that we exist in this marvelous world should be enough to convince us of God’s power and love. Open your eyes to the blessings we share and have faith that God will continue to care for us always.
Gracious God, we are so slow to see the wonders of Your creation and to realize our part in all that occurs. Help us to recognize Your gifts and use them faithfully. Amen.