We have been learning from the gospel of John the last two weeks: Nicodemus’ visit (John 3:1–17) and the woman at the well (John 4:5–42). Jesus had been travelling through different towns and villages, teaching people about God’s love. In this week’s story, Jesus meets a man who had been born blind.
Blindness and other diseases were often viewed in ancient times as punishment for sin. The disciples of Jesus and the leaders who oppose him assume this. The Gospel narrates the healing by Jesus of a man blind from birth on the Sabbath, triggering a controversy with the Pharisees. Jesus smeared mud on his eyes, sending him to wash in the pool of Siloam. In this story, Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath creates the initial controversy. The issue was about what can or cannot be done on the Sabbath. Manipulation of objects was technically forbidden. Jesus’ making of mud could be viewed as such activity. Had Jesus broken or kept the law by performing this sign of healing?
The healing creates division within the community. Neighbors were divided over whether this is the same blind man they had known. Pharisees were divided over whether Jesus is from God, or not. The man, initially blind, backs Jesus as a prophet, while the Pharisees expel him for recognizing Jesus. The man’s parents’ distance themselves from their son for fear of the religious leaders.
The story does not end there. The text remained open as to whether these leaders, and the rest of us, may need healing to see more clearly Jesus as the light in our life journey.
We will be praying for you and your family. Please include us in your prayers as well. See you at worship!
Dear God, thank you for Jesus who shows us the way to follow you. Be with us as we walking the Season of Lent and help us to travel with Jesus each day. Amen.
