John 9:1–2: “Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?'”

March 16th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The healing of this blind man is very unique in that there are 5 miracles of the blind being healed, but this is the only one where the person healed was blind from birth. Jesus healed this man both physically and spiritually. However most of the story is about the religious leaders reaction to the miracle. There is a lot of symbolism about spiritual blindness in this record, as this blind man certainly was not the only blind person in this chapter. At the end of the chapter Jesus said:

“For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” (John 9:39–41)

Jesus was saying that being spiritually blind is not the worst sin in the world. But thinking that you can get along fine without Jesus, that is the one sin that will keep a person from salvation. These religious leaders were leading people into the darkness, not into the light. Their hearts had become hardened, like rocks. They had become so smug and sure of themselves that they were not able to recognize God the Son when He was right in front of them.

The truth is every person is born into this world spiritually blind. We all need the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth and reality of Jesus Christ. We all have blind spots, presumptions, and perceptions that we don’t think need changing. These blind spots are major roadblocks in our spiritual journey. When we find ourselves skeptical, judgmental, fearful, or filled with religions pride, then we have a spiritual blind spot that needs Jesus’ healing touch. Believing, is seeing more and more spiritual truth as we become conformed more and more into His image.

“LORD, open our spiritual eyes to see what it is that You want to heal in us today.”