Blind Though Claiming to See

John 9:39-41, NLT

Then Jesus told him, “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.”

Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?”

“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

                This passage is a great summary of all of chapter 9.  It is a clear indictment on the Jewish religious establishment of the day.  The essential problem is not spiritual blindness on their part.  If that were true, Jesus could easily “restore” their sight.  The problem is that they are blind, but claim they can see, the self-imposed blindness discussed in an earlier reflection.  In order to receive vision, it is necessary to be aware that you don’t have it.  More simply put, you can’t help someone who believes they need no help. 

                Too often, this can be said of those who now claim to be Christian.  People who self-identify as Christian, but claim they need no forgiveness are spiritually blind while claiming to see.  People who claim the name of Christ, but show no regard for those suffering and in need are spiritually blind while claiming to see.  People who claim to be God’s own people, but ignore obvious injustice are spiritually blind while claiming to see.  Such “Christians” are every bit as indicted as the leaders in John 9. 

Questions: To what extent are you really dependent on God for the ability to “see” properly?  When was the last time you spent some time in repentance?

Prayer:  Lord, point out my blindness, however it manifests itself.  Convince me of my need to utterly depend on You to see things as they really are.

Prayer Focus:  Spend some time taking inventory of the ways you have strayed from God and ask God for restoration.

Song:  Be Thou My Vision – Selah