If you lived in America in the 1980s and 1990s, you may remember when we rented movies (VCRs in my childhood) at Blockbuster. Many of the stores had posters that, on the surface, looked abstract or geometric, but they contained hidden 3D images. I’d stop to stare and, eventually, the picture would come into focus for me. A lion! A ballerina! Something I couldn’t see before.
So far in our study of the gospel of John, we’ve seen Jesus perform multiple signs: turning water into wine, healing the official’s son, healing the paralytic, feeding the multitudes, and walking on water. In John 9, Jesus gave sight to a blind man. This was a miracle, and another visible sign pointing people to the truth of who Jesus is—the Son of God. The religious leaders of the day made excuses and tried to come up with other reasons for how the man gained his sight, but there was no other explanation. The man had always been blind, and Jesus gave him sight.
This would be a miraculous story by itself, but the symbolism of it is even more amazing. Before we know and accept Jesus, we are spiritually blind. The world and its misguided ways are our guides. After we know and accept Jesus, our eyes are opened, and we have spiritual sight. In John 9:39, Jesus said, “I have come into this world, so that those who do not see may gain their sight.”
If you’ve been in church, you’ve likely heard the hymn Amazing Grace (my favorite) which says, “I once was blind, but now I see.” We understand the symbolism, but what does that look like practically? Jesus isn’t around rubbing mud on our eyes, but once we invite Him in, He never leaves us.
Jesus is the Son of God, and He died on the cross to save us from our sins. God offers us eternal salvation out of grace (not based on works) if we believe in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the only path to eternal life. You can’t earn it. You won’t live again in a different earthly form. You can’t zen your way to heaven with peace and light. This can feel too confrontational and close-minded for some, but the Bible isn’t vague on this point. Jesus is our only hope.
If you don’t know Jesus, linger here. Stop and stare at His words in the Bible which have withstood the test of time. Pray. I promise you’ll find something you didn’t see before.
