Born Blind to Sin and the Miracle to See

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We don’t know his age, but we know he was an adult who was born blind…

As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth.

John 9:1

So, the disciples asked a question that’s been asked throughout history…

“Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

John 9:2

I’ve always wondered if people want to know whose fault or what caused someone’s pain or problems because they want to check a box that they hope will exempt them from similar suffering.

However, in answer to their question, Jesus said that life’s trials are not always the result of some personal sin.

It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.

John 9:3

Life Application Notes add…

“Christ used this man’s suffering to teach about faith and to glorify God. We live in a fallen world where good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished.”

Jesus then mixed mud with spit, spread it over the man’s eyes, and told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam.” And when the man returned—He Could See!

Can you imagine being born blind, never seeing a blue sky or a human face, and suddenly having perfect vision?

This was one of Rev’s favorite accounts in scripture, not because of the healing, although that was amazing, but because of the varying reactions.

• The Pharisees reacted with doubt and disbelief.
• His neighbors were curious yet skeptical.
• His parents knew the truth but remained silent out of fear.

Although I’m curious about all of them, I want to spend a few minutes focused on the man himself because after the religious leaders questioned him multiple times, they threw him out of the synagogue.

Now, being removed from the synagogue was a huge deal. It was more than not being able to attend services or festivals, it meant losing all association with the people related to this faith community.

Look at the strength of this born blind believer when the religious leaders accused Jesus of being a “sinner”…

“I don’t know whether He is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”

“But what did He do?” they asked. “How did He heal you?”

“Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples, too?”

John 9:25–27

And it’s this man’s God-given strength that Rev loved most about this moment.

This man knew he could lose everything, but the miracle Jesus gave him planted a seed of faith that was greater than anything the world could take away.

You can read the full account here.

When you and I are tempted to go along because of the worldly pressure of cancel culture, may we remember that when it comes to sin, we are all born blind. Only by God’s grace through Jesus have we been blessed with the miracle of faith that gives us what we need to see the truth of God’s will and gracious love.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer for Born Blind People to See

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with Your Word and the timeless accounts of Your grace, mercy, and love. Just like this man, I was born blind … not physically, but spiritually. I was born with a prideful propensity toward sin. I was born to seek selfishness and instant satisfaction.

But You graciously want so much more for me. You want me to KNOW the TRUTH of Your will because You love me and know it’s what’s best for me. Like a loving parent who doesn’t want their child to suffer the consequences of rebellion and laziness, You graciously gave us a list of commands to help us get along with one another and honor You now and forever.

Forgive me for those times I’ve ignored Your commands to love and allowed my heart and mind to be influenced by the enemy’s words of doubt and disbelief. Forgive me for letting fear prevent me from living my faith and sharing Your love. Please help me.

I pray these words from the Psalms…

Be good to Your servant,
    that I may live and obey Your word.
Open my eyes to see
    the wonderful truths in Your instructions.
(Psalm 119:17–18)

By the power of Your Spirit, please give me the strength I need to follow You in faith with obedience. I surrender myself to You in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Everyone is spiritually blind until Jesus heals them.

The following occurred early in His ministry…

 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Him.
[Jesus] unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
    that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Luke 4:17–19

He then rolled up the scroll, sat down, and said…

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

Luke 4:21

God is the Healer of our spiritual blindness. He sent Jesus to save us and the Spirit to give us faith and strength.

May we follow the Lord with open eyes and hearts full of faith.

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