Confronted With Belief

This morning I am reading John 9, which is about the Man born blind, that is healed by Jesus.  I really love this story and the dialogue that is captured between the Pharisees and the man, his parents and even neighbors. 

Reading it closely this morning there were a few things that stood out.  First, this passage took place over a few days at least, maybe longer, as the back and forth, questions and summoning people probably didn’t happen all in the same day.  Certainly the summoning to the Pharisees didn’t happen on the Sabbath, as the man was healed on the Sabbath, and that was one of the big concerns.  So, I imagine this conversation going on for a few days, and the longer it went on the more troublesome it became for the Pharisees.

Secondly, there are some interesting tidbits thrown in - [18] “They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents”

I find this an interesting point, that they did not believe UNTIL they sent for the parents… which means they DID believe he was born blind after they talked to them. 

While this seems insignificant, the inclusion of this fact means the Pharisees were now confronted with a real miracle
, and had to figure out what to do with it!  It seems that the fact that Jesus HEALED on the sabbath, by working “making mud” was clearly the act of a sinner, or at least that was their decision for in verse 24 they proclaim “We know this man (Jesus) is a sinner.”  

This is a clear case where the judges throw the losing case out because of a technicality… they knew they were on shaky ground so they called the formerly blind man Jesus’ disciple!  (verse 28), so they could effectively ignore the witness of his healing.  I wonder how often we do the same thing, disregard something that is from the Lord, because we don’t like the ramifications!  

Oh Lord, help me to push past my discomfort, my desire to ignore those things from You that will require me to change my mind, and sometimes even my beliefs, to really embrace the Truth of who You are!!  Help me to really open my eyes instead of trying to ignore those uncomfortable things!  Help me to be willing to lay down my pride that I might really see You, and follow You!

Amen!