John 9:24-34
“Notice what you notice.” Except for the Resurrection and raising Lazarus from the dead, I believe Jesus’ healing a man born blind is His greatest miracle. And I’m even arguing with myself about Lazarus, since Jesus had brought others back to life. I rate Lazarus higher because he had been three days in the tomb. So, this incident is #3.
The man’s words are powerful: Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. (v. 32) The man’s words are powerful, but the Pharisees’ opposition was so strong that they could not hear him. They could dismiss him because of their “belief” that his blindness was because he “was born entirely in sins”. They were so locked in with their judgment against Jesus that nothing was going to change their mind. I feel sorry for them. Up to this point I have had some sympathy for them – Jesus was certainly a challenge to them as He was turning their world upside down. But now, this miracle… Never in history…!! How could their opposition remain??!!
Listen to the Pharisees: …we know that this man is a sinner. (v. 24); …we are disciples of Moses. (v. 28b); …as for this man, we do not know where He is from. (v. 29b); You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us? (v. 34) I just feel sorry for them. Their prejudice and their pride – their vision is so completely blocked…! We are blessed to live on this other side of history!!
Slava Bohu!