The Israelites who studied the Scriptural prophecies knew that a Messiah sent from God would come and be the hinge of human history. They knew he would be like a “Son of Man,” reigning over all the world and all spiritual powers, because of the thrilling prophecy from Daniel 7. But they also knew that this “Son of Man” would come in humble obscurity, restore sight to the blind, and redeem all the nations, to name a few. This Messiah, this hinge of human history, would be worth everyone’s full belief and trust. Do you believe that Jesus is that Son of Man?
As John shows us, that question allows no half-hearted answer. Those that see the truth joyously answer yes, and all those who answer no remain in blindness. That’s the brutal side of grace; it reveals exactly who has eyes to see and who doesn’t, and so grace upon some has to involve judgment on the rest. The blindness of the Pharisees in this chapter is tragically ironic—they are so convinced that they can see, so thoroughly convinced that they have things right, that no amount of truth will change their mind. We should be extra cautious that we don’t fall into that same trap!
Meanwhile the former blind man, who could now see, grew in greater understanding the more his new eyes adjusted to the light. At first, all he knew about Jesus was that he was a healer; then he worked his way up to prophet, and then to someone sent from God; and finally, face to face with Jesus, he recognized him as the Son of Man and Messiah. Those with eyes to see are always growing in greater understanding, greater maturity, and greater joy in Christ their Lord.
If we are to see clearly, the first step is to recognize that we might not see clearly quite yet. Even if we’ve been model Christians in the church for decades and know all the stories and memory verses, God always has something new to teach us, and higher maturity that he desires for us. So put aside your pride and see new light! Humbly allow the Lord to open your eyes to greater glory and goodness and truth than you’ve ever before imagined!
Psalm 119:18 reads, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” May this always be our prayer.
