21 Day Challenge – Day 14
Jesus & the Blind Man | Matt Dawson
Scripture: John 9:1-7
“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. 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.”
Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing!”
Observation
I know most people see this as another miracle story, but I see it differently. I think the most important part of this story is the question that the disciples ask. The question they ask tells us so much about their perspective on life, and what expectations that have for Jesus. They didn’t ask Jesus to heal him. They just asked why did this “bad thing” happen… and whose fault was it?
I’ve spent a good part of my Christians life asking very similar question. WHY? Why did this bad thing happen – WHO is to blame? I ask that about myself, and others in my life. I don’t immediately ask for healing or strength or even a miracle. I guess I think if I “understand” something that somehow it will be better for ME.
Jesus says the words we don’t like to hear when trying to understand something… He says it’s no ones fault but God’s. It’s on opportunity for God to show up in the brokenness of this world and display His love through the people that He has sent. Jesus says – right now that person is me. Soon it will be others.
And then He heals him. He tells a blind man to “make his way” to the pool called SENT. He does, and comes back seeing!
Application
I’m not sure how this applies to me because I still find myself asking those same questions. I still struggle to see things the way God does and so I guess part of this devotion for me is to keep asking God to reveal more of Himself and His love to me.
What if every time we saw someone hurting, or broken, or we witnessed struggle in this world – we didn’t rush to figure out WHY it is happening – but we rushed in to show the LOVE OF GOD to those in the midst. That the reason may not be known, but maybe it’s just one more opportunity for God to show up through HIS PEOPLE who are SENT to love those that are struggling today.
Prayer
God, may you open up my eyes and allow me to see those hurting around me everyday. Help me stop trying to “figure it out” by asking why or trying to find out who to cast the blame on. Show me the opportunities to share your love with a hopeless world.
SEND me.
Amen.