24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”

27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”

30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.

John 9:24-34 (ESV)

Blind but see but blind

The formerly blind man’s parents threw their son under the bus yesterday. Now it’s the son’s turn. When the Jewish leaders call him back in to testify against Jesus, he could have returned the “favor” to his parents. He doesn’t. Nor does he throw Jesus under the bus by telling them to go after Jesus who did the healing. Rather, he just gives his simple testimony: I was blind but now I see. But the Jews were not happy so they pressed him further: “Tell us exactly how Jesus did it!”, so they could indict Jesus.

There’s also a message for these Jews. They can see physically but are actually blind spiritually.

Hear but not listen

The Jews heard the man’s testimony but didn’t listen; they closed their ears to anything other than what they wanted to hear. The man was bold and even teased the Jewish leaders saying their keen interest could only mean they really wanted to follow Jesus. The man was not swayed by the Jews threats. He was already an outcast of society so he could speak freely. And he did! The Jews couldn’t take it so they insulted him and kicked him out.

<- Reflection ->

• A simple testimony that gives glory to God is a good one. What’s yours? Care to share in the comments to encourage others?
• Sometimes we ask God for something but only look for the answer we expect / want. It might be for wisdom, help in a relationship, freedom from a bad situation. Are we willing to listen to His still small voice?