JOHN CHAPTER 9
Read: John 9:1-7
Chapter nine
opens with the sixth of seven signs recorded in this Gospel. John specifically
recorded these seven “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the
Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31).
John selected these particular miracles with great care, each unique in nature
and execution, but with poignant and significant similarities.
One such
similarity can be seen in the sixth (chapter 9) and the third (chapter 5)
signs. Both miracles resulted in physical healings. In chapter nine sight was
restored to a blind man, and in chapter five, a paralyzed man regained the use
of his legs. Both miracles took place on the Sabbath, resulting in conflict
with the religious establishment (more on that tomorrow). In both cases, Jesus
gave a directive that required action. In both encounters, Jesus recognized the
need and took the initiative to perform the miracle without being directly
asked. Both meetings highlight that while Jesus focused on the task His Father
had given Him, He was not unconcerned with the needs of people He met along the
way. In fact, Jesus never viewed such
encounters as distractions from His mission but demonstrated that they were the
very essence of His mission.
Just before the
sixth sign, as the disciples encounter the blind man, we hear them engage in a
theological debate about the cause of suffering and the nature of sin. Before
the third sign, we find the paralyzed man desperately clinging to a pointless
tradition with the hope that it will result in his healing. Both the disciples’
theological debate and the paralyzed man’s dependence on tradition look
pointless and small after Jesus’ intervention.
With all of
their similarities, it is important to note one significant and striking
difference between these miracles and their recipients. Following each miracle,
the healed man is questioned by Pharisees. Through the course of the once blind
man’s interrogation, he acknowledges faith in Jesus as Messiah, but the
paralyzed man betrays Jesus to the Pharisees and appears unaffected by his
encounter with Jesus despite his physical healing.
Many of us look
to theology and tradition for something only Jesus can provide. Then, when we
least expect it, He interrupts our debates and disturbs our traditions. He
doesn't ask our permission nor does He seek our approval. He finds us in our
hopeless, helpless condition and speaks words of healing and life, leaving us
with a directive to "get up and go." To rise from our mats which
have, for too long, been resting on the traditions of men. To go and wash the
mud of spiritual blindness out of our eyes. After such directives, we must make
a choice. We can fall on our knees and recognize Him as Savior and Lord, or we
can return to our pointless debates and fruitless traditions. Two men. Two
Miracles. Two choices. One Savior and Lord of all.
Jesus Messiah,
I confess I have for too
long been paralyzed on the mat of man's tradition. I have been blind to my true
condition and helpless to change it. I have been debating the problem,
depending on the wrong solutions. Thank You for finding me in my broken
condition and healing me despite my fruitless efforts.
Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment