John 9:35-41
“Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’” vs. 39
This statement from John’s gospel is one of those enigmatic Jesus sayings that can leave us scratching our heads. We have to read it again and again before its meaning begins to come out…and even then we can’t be sure that we’ve gotten it right. Jesus isn’t saying that he’s come into the world to judge anyone; that’s not his purpose. But as people encounter him there will be two distinct responses. The blind will see and the seeing will become blind. In other words, those who are hurting, confused, and unloved will find healing in his presence. The ones who the world has rejected and marginalized will be loved, forgiven, and embraced. But those who think they see and have it all together, the religious elite and the privileged, will be unable to grasp the gospel of grace. They just won’t get Jesus and will close their hearts to his love. The Pharisees inferred from these words that Jesus was talking about them…and they were right. It’s always that way with those who are confident in themselves and their own perceived righteousness. In fact, it’s a trap that many Christians fall into. The good news is that those who have become blind are now in a position to see, and may one day bump into Jesus, and experience his amazing grace.
Thought for the Day: How can Christians become blind to Jesus?
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