Are We Blind Too?

John, 9-11

“Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into the world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.’ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, ‘What? Are we blind too?’ Jesus said, ‘If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.’”

John 9:39-41

Jesus’ word to the Church of Laodicea was that they were unaware that they were blind. He counseled them to buy salve from him to put on their eyes so they could see. The Pharisees were similarly unaware that they were spiritually blind. Spiritual pride blinds us to our need of God. We rely on our traditions and doctrinal frameworks but lack the still, quiet voice of the Shepherd in our lives. The salve that Jesus offers us for our spiritual blindness is costly. This salve requires repenting for spiritual pride, judgmental attitudes, and fear of change. To acknowledge that we are blind requires humility and dependence on Jesus rather than on our resources, history, or community affirmation. We might feel naked, exposed, alone, and weak. In this place of total surrender and death-to-self, the light of Christ is visible.

“Lord Jesus, open my eyes that I might see, for your glory”