Back to basics

When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked him, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ The man answered, ‘Tell me who he is, sir, so that I can believe in him!’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have already seen him, and he is the one who is talking with you now’. ‘I believe, Lord!’ the man said, and knelt down before Jesus. (verses 35-38)

Read John 9:1-41

Today’s reading has the lot: drama, fascinating dialogue, humour. But it’s the above three verses that hit me deep inside.

These verses are poignant in their simplicity. Jesus asks a simple, straightforward question to which the once blind man gives a simple, direct answer.

Do you find yourself thinking, if only my Christianity could be that simple? I do.

Perhaps every now and then we need to put aside for a moment or two the wrangles over how we should be ‘doing’ our worship services, or the hassles of church politics, or the frustration of people not showing up when it’s their turn to usher. Maybe, instead, we hear again who Jesus is for us, what he does, and reaffirm our faith in him, just as this man did.

Getting back to basics can help get everything else back into perspective.

Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, and I worship you. Amen.

by Grace Simpson, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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