The book of John tells a story about a man, born blind, who had a Jesus encounter that healed him. The story goes: Jesus spit into some dirt, placed the saliva mud onto the man’s eyes, and told the man to go wash. The man washed and could see. However, he never saw the one who healed him.
The healing occurred on the Sabbath. According to religious law, no work was to be done on the Sabbath. So, this healing sparked a full investigation. Religious leaders interrogated the healed man, the man’s parents and witnesses of the healing. In their frustration with the situation and hatred for Jesus, the religious leaders threw the man out of the temple.
It was then that Jesus went searching for the man.
Jesus: “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
The man: “Who is he, sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.”Jesus: “You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.”
The man: “Lord, I believe.”
And the man worshipped Jesus.
This discussion with Jesus is moving. Jesus healed this blind man but, that’s not all. When the man was rejected, Jesus came and found him. This man who was blind from birth was right in front of his healer. I can imagine the racing of the man’s heart as he wondered, “Is this man the one who healed me?” and then the utter awe he must have felt when Jesus confirmed, “It’s me!”
When the man was blind, Jesus provided instruction and healing. When the man was humiliated and rejected, Jesus came and found him. Jesus gave him hope and a sense of belonging. This interaction is a beautiful portrait of Jesus. Throughout the book of John, the reader is reminded that Jesus is light, and that’s exactly what Jesus was to this man who is blind no more.
Do you need Jesus to light up dark places for you? Then, let us pray.
“God, shine your light into the dark places – the darkness in my own heart and the darkness that is around me. Direct me to righteousness and healing. Show me the ways in which I can reflect your light into the world. Allow me to see what I’ve been blinded to and then give me wisdom to proceed. Thank you that your word ‘is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.’ Thank you for illuminating the way for me. Amen.”
Trisha Bowman
Christ Fellowship