You would think that a person who was healed of a de-habilitating handicap would be celebrated and befriended. But all it did for this guy was get him into trouble with the law.
The Pharisees didn’t want to acknowledge that Jesus was God because He didn’t have anything good to say about them. So anytime Jesus did something wonderful, or said something wise, they were right there to try and tear it down. In this instance they were putting pressure on the man who was blind, and his parents to deny Jesus. Neither one would do so, and the blind man even became a little “snarky” with them. I think he realized that they didn’t have the power and authority that he once thought they did. He was losing respect for them, and gaining respect for Jesus.
I notice that the man didn’t ask to be healed. He hadn’t ever seen before and probably was resigned to his station in life. He wasn’t blind because he was being punished for something. And, He isn’t healed immediately. Jesus puts mud on his eyes and sends him away. It occurs to me that several times in the Bible healing is pronounced that doesn’t take place until later. Perhaps when we pray for healing and don’t see it immediately it’s simply because it’s “still on the way”.
Every time I read this passage I try and imagine what it would be like to open my eyes and see Jesus. This guy is opening his eyes for the first time…of course Jesus isn’t at the pool of Siloam when he does begin to see, but what an amazing experience to see for the first time! and then, to gaze upon God himself! This man was doubly blessed. He saw what many generations have longed to see and never did. You wouldn’t initially think of him as blessed, being born blind. But now that God has worked in his life I am sure many people would have traded places with him just to gaze upon the face of Jesus.
Then there is the issue of “spiritual blindness”. It is a sad but true fact that many people are wandering around the earth today spiritually blind. They have been blind from birth, and don’t know any other way of life. They are content in their blindness and even though they live within arms reach of Jesus, they don’t think to ask for help. Perhaps those Christians around them aren’t seeking help for them, because like the man in this account they feel the blind people somehow “deserve” their blindness. If those who are blind who feel the touch of Jesus will become obedient to Him, and do what He says, they will be healed of their spiritual blindness. They will begin to see life in a new way, their problems will seem smaller and their blessings will become more than they can carry. Their attitude and overall character will improve, their relationships will improve, and most importantly, their future will be drastically changed from one of torture in hell to one of eternal bliss in heaven. There is no reason for anyone to wander blind! Jesus wants to heal us. I know, because I was the blind man. I once was blind and now I see!
So I send this cry out to all those who might listen: “Come to Jesus and He will heal you, He wants to renew you, and adopt you and make you His own. You don’t have to wander anymore. Come to Jesus and take your place as part of the family.”
The Pharisees had proud and hard hearts that wouldn’t let them respond. I pray that we never have hearts like that, and instead we are always humble and willing to hear and be led by God.
Seeing things more clearly,
PR