“Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” John 9:32-33 (NLT)
There are numerous “mic-drop” moments in the Bible. But this one has to rank right up there near the top.
A man who had been blind from birth – whom Jesus had just restored sight to – was being interrogated by the Pharisees. They had just interrogated his parents, and now they were questioning him for the second time. “Who healed you? How did he do it? What did he do?” they asked. The man replied, “Look! I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?”
I really like this guy. I look forward to having a conversation with him someday in heaven and getting to know him. He’s my kind of dude.
Verse 28 begins, “Then they cursed him.” Of course they did. That’s what most people who hate the truth do to someone who tells them what they least want to hear. “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.” If Moses had been alive during the time of Christ, you think he might’ve recognized Jesus as the Messiah? Yeah, me too. So if these Pharisees were disciples of Moses, they weren’t very good ones.
And this man who can now see pretty much says that in his response to them. Like I said, I really like this guy.
“Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” (Vv.30-33)
“If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.” Power statement. Checkmate. Game over.
All that was left was an, “I know you are but what am I” comeback. And here it comes. “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.” (V34)
Jesus, the Light of the World, came to open the eyes of the blind. And he did that day, a living parable coming to life. But Jesus wasn’t finished. And what a wonderful moment this was, for him to find this man and give him the opportunity to acknowledge and affirm him as Lord and Savior.
When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” (Vv.35-41)
What an awesome encounter. This isn’t just about a cool miracle; it’s about recognizing Jesus as way more than just a miracle worker. He reveals himself as the Son of Man, and that’s a way bigger deal.
So when we’re feeling lost or questioning things, let’s remember this guy’s attitude. Instead of staying stuck in the dark, let’s open our hearts up to His truth, allowing Him to open our eyes and be the Light of our lives. Surrendering everything to Jesus, we receive the joy of seeing Jesus for who He really is.
Former Blackout Artist 