John 9
Scripture
John 9:41-Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."
Observation-What does it say?
Jesus healed a man who was born blind. Not only did He heal his physical blindness, but His spiritual blindness as well. The man was healed of his spiritual blindness because he recognized he was blind, he believed in Jesus as the "Son of Man" and worshipped Him. As Jesus was talking to the man, Jesus said that He came "so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." A Pharisee heard this and took offense to it. He asked Jesus if they were blind too. Jesus' response in verse 41 says it all.
Understanding-What does it mean?
The Pharisees did not acknowledge their blindness (sinful nature). Jesus cannot save those who think they are not guilty of sin. He came to save sinners like you and me. He didn't come to save those who do NOT think they are sinners, for they have no need of Jesus, and as a result "their guilt remains."
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.””
1 Corinthians 1:18-19 NIV
Life Application
Admit our need for Jesus, thank Him for His saving grace and pray for a heart to share with people who are spiritually blind, that their eyes (hearts) would be open to the Truth.
I grew up in the church, which means that I went to church with my parents from the time I exited my mother's womb. However, I was spiritually blind because I remember at 14 years old thinking to myself that I was NOT a sinner and I hadn't broken any of the 10 commandments, so why do I need Jesus? I just wanted to live my life and decided that I would not say the sinners' prayer yet, but wait until I got older. I was blind and did not recognize it at that time. Praise God that 2 years later, I opened my heart to His invitation for salvation as I admitted my need for Him and recognized my sin and blindness.
There are so many in the world and even in churches today that are still spiritually blind. They are unable to recognize their need for Jesus because they don't think that they are sinners. Just like the Pharisees who pointed the finger at "those sinners", I pray that we would not fall into that same trap, but rather pray for a heart for the lost and spiritually blind to come to know and receive His saving grace.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for saving a wretch like me. Your grace is amazing. Please forgive me for the many times I have acted like a Pharisee, because I had forgotten Your saving grace over my own life. I pray for healing over people in our families, in our churches and in our community who are still spiritually blind. May they recognized their need for You and use me as You will to reach out to sinners just like me. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see." Amen.
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-Michelle Gaddi