I was blind but now I see

by Rachael Stelzer

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He replied, ‘Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!’ (John 9:25)

Read John 9:24–41

Today we witness scenes two and three of the healing at the pool, otherwise known as ‘who is really the blind man here?’

In yesterday’s episode, Jesus healed a man born blind, and the religious leaders lost their minds over the event. In this scene, they summon the not-blind man again and ask him to give Jesus up as a sinner. His words are simple and powerful: ‘Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!’

Here is a simple man who has been on the fringes of society his whole life. He is not educated. But he is beginning to make the leaders look like fools. When they ask him how Jesus did it, he says in verse 27, ‘I have told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?’ I can only see this as a comedy, with the man looking innocently at the religious leaders, who are tearing their hair out. He continues speaking in simple terms but delivers his simple and beautiful version of the truth, which so offends them that they throw him out.

Then, in our final beautiful scene, Jesus finds the man, who earlier had called Jesus a prophet, and has one of his wonderful conversations that John records with such warmth. He asks if the man believes in the Son of Man and reveals himself to be the one. The man confesses his faith in Jesus and worships him. And the Pharisees and teachers of the law are still grumpy.

Who is blind, and who can see?

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see your truth and love. Help me see the needs of those around me. Help me see the ways I put other priorities before my relationship with you. And help me see how I can love in your name. Amen.

Rachael Stelzer is Primary Lay Chaplain at Coomera Anglican College near Brisbane. She is a member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rochedale and teaches primary kids in the Growing Kids group. Rachael loves crafts, reading, and sharing meals, coffee and life with her family and friends.

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