Jesus said, “For judgement I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” John 9:39
DEVOTION – by Andrea Cheetham:
Jesus and the disciples were walking along the road. They saw a man who was blind and wondered if he or his parents had sinned. Jesus told the men, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”
Kids love acting out the next part of the story. Jesus spat and made mud. Then He put in on the eyes of the man, and He told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. In faith and obedience, the man went and did as he was told. He went home with sight and a new life in Christ!
The healed man’s confidence in Jesus stands out to me like a bright, neon sign. Every time he was questioned, criticized, or mocked, he exclaimed, I was blind, and now I can see. My favorite of his responses is in verse 33, “If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” What a courageous statement he made in front of the Pharisees. A few verses later, he is meeting with Jesus and proudly proclaims his belief in Him. This man was excited to be given new sight and a new life in Christ.
Like many of you, I have been mocked and criticized for my faith. There have been times when my confidence has waned in sharing my faith. Sometimes we don’t want to face the firing squad of criticism. However, Jesus is bigger than all that noise. He faced far more condemnation that we can imagine. Because of Jesus, the cross, and the resurrection, we can courageously and confidently share His sacrifice and love. He calls us to love Him, love others, and make disciples. Therefore, in preparation for Holy Week, may we be reminded of the blind man’s bold obedience and faith in Christ. God sent His Son so that He would be glorified as each person’s eyes were opened to the Good News. Remember the cross. This sacrifice was crucial to make a way to bring us back to life and relationship with Him. Remember the resurrection. We have the honor of proclaiming His love!
REFLECTION QUESTION:
- Is Jesus calling you to share your faith? Reflect on the power of the cross and resurrection in your own life. Over the next few weeks, pray for opportunities to share His love and for their eyes to receive new sight in Jesus Christ!
