With Dale Ratzlaff
John 9:18-27
The Jews then did not believe it of him, that he had been blind and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight, and questioned them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?” His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.” He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” So they said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” (Jn. 9:24-27)
At first this short passage appears to have little to do with our study of the Sabbath, yet in reality, it encompasses the very essence of new covenant Sabbath understanding. It is full of subtle insights regarding the gospel. First, notice the saving action of Jesus. This beggar did not ask to be healed! The entire action proceeded from Jesus. Second, note the kind of people Jesus chooses to save: blind beggars: people who have a strong sense of personal need. Third, note the simplicity of salvation: “I washed, and I received sight.” Fourth, note the transformation that takes place: his friends could hardly recognize him! Fifth, note the drawing power of the gospel: “Where is He?”
We begin to see that in each Sabbath episode there is a progressive movement away from the details of the old covenant laws toward the one, central theme of the new: Jesus Christ and the redemption and “rest” He brings.
This is a very enlightening, and tragic, portion of Scripture. Through the healing of this man born blind, Jesus desperately sought to bring sufficient evidence for an intelligent, saving faith to the leaders of the people He came to save. He knew that the new wine of the gospel would not fit within the rigid framework of Judaism. Jesus, through this healing incident, tried to reach their hearts with the truth of who He was. This truth, and this truth alone, could save them. The tragedy of their situation was that they were so deeply entrenched within their belief system most of them could not even entertain the idea they could be wrong. “The Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.” This prejudice, or prejudgment, blinded their minds. It appears from time to time. However, there were some of the Jewish rulers who, at least for a period of time, seemed almost persuaded to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. What kept the majority back? Several times in this book I have referred to the fact that our belief system is often our greatest hindrance to the openness essential to the discovery of new truth. The Jews had their system, which in itself was a major factor in their inability to believe. There was more to their system than just what they considered to be “truth.” It provided them with a complete lifestyle, a social community, power, wealth, and influence. To break out of the system was costly in many ways. Thus, the books of Hebrews and First Peter were written to encourage Jewish Christians who had paid the price and had broken out of the Jewish system. These people had lost their wealth, their lands, their friends, and their influence. They had nothing left but Jesus—Jesus only! Yet, as Paul so beautifully says,
I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ and may be found in Him (Phil. 3:8, 9).
Throughout history, Christians who have stood for truth, regardless of the consequences, and paid the price for so doing, know that to be found “in Christ” is of greater value even if it means the loss of all other things. Jesus is sufficient.
Now a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.” He therefore answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” They said therefore to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” (Jn. 9:24-27).
One gets the idea that the Pharisees were struggling in the valley of decision. The evidence before their eyes must have been like sharp needles pricking their consciences. It appears they recognized the far-reaching consequences of the decision which confronted them, and they made every effort to find sufficient reason to escape making a decision. They wanted more time. Then, as this formerly blind beggar suggested the idea that perhaps they too were considering becoming disciples of Jesus, they revolted, and their decision was made.
Application
- This episode displays the sovereign grace of God. We must ask ourselves if we are willing to accept that same, unmerited grace that is given to those in need.
- In this incident, we discern the sharp concept between the old and new covenants. Are we clear on the biblical teaching on the new covenant?
- Their paradigm of truth blinded the Jewish leaders to the truth. Could it be that we, too, may be rejecting biblical teaching because we are steeped in our system of truth and don’t even want to consider any biblical statement that shows our system might be in error?
- Are we willing to take a stand as a follower of Jesus even if it means being cast out of our religious or social circle? Are we willing to trust Jesus alone?
Prayer
Father, thank you for the display of your loving grace and power in John nine. May I have the same love for those who are physically impaired as Jesus did. Keep me from spiritual pride.
In Jesus name.
- Is Sunday Sacred? - April 25, 2024
- Jesus is the Firstborn - April 4, 2024
- What Is the Meaning of the Cross? - March 28, 2024