From Spiritual Blindness to Clear Vision

In John chapter 9, we see an example of how Jesus transforms lives, not only physically but spiritually. This story isn't just about a man who received his sight; it's about how Jesus brings clarity to our spiritual vision, helping us discover and deepen our faith in Him.

What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Blind?

Spiritual blindness can be a subtle thing. It's not always something that’s obvious, but it’s the inability to see God's work and presence in our lives. We all struggle with this at different times. Whether through doubt, confusion, or simply not recognizing how Jesus is moving in our day-to-day lives. At Heritage, we talk about being in a safe space to discover what it means to know God and grow closer to Him. Spiritual blindness keeps us from experiencing this, but the good news is that Jesus opens our eyes.

How Does Jesus Heal Our Blindness?

In this passage, Jesus heals a man born blind in a way that seems unusual to us, by making mud with His spit and placing it on the man’s eyes. But there’s more here than just the physical healing. Jesus deliberately healed on the Sabbath, challenging religious legalism and showing that sometimes healing requires our participation. The blind man had to wash his eyes to experience the healing. This reminds us that Jesus works in unexpected ways, sometimes in ways that challenge our understanding of how things should be.

Why Do People Struggle to Recognize Miracles?

One of the most striking parts of this story is how many people failed to recognize the miracle happening right before them. The man’s neighbors didn’t even recognize him, and the religious leaders were more focused on rules than the miracle. Even his parents feared the social consequences of standing up for their son’s healing. This shows us how often we miss what God is doing because of preconceptions, fear, or a focus on the wrong things. At Heritage, we encourage each other to stay open to the miracles God is working in our lives and in our church family.

What Makes a True Encounter with Jesus?

The blind man’s story illustrates the journey from simply encountering Jesus to fully embracing Him as our Savior. First, he meets Jesus. Then, he testifies to the transformation in his life: “I was blind but now I see.” He stands firm in his testimony, even when faced with opposition. Ultimately, he moves from seeing Jesus as just a man, a “sir,” to recognizing Him as Savior. This progression is something we can all relate to as we deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Life Application

Take a moment this week to reflect on your own journey. Is Jesus just someone you respect, or is He your Savior? What spiritual blindness might be hindering your relationship with Him? Is there an area where you’re not seeing clearly? How can you move from simply acknowledging Him to fully following Him in every area of your life?

Each day this week, take a moment to identify one area where you might be spiritually blind. Ask Jesus to help you see more clearly in that area. Be open to the unexpected ways He may work in your life, just as He did with the man born blind.

Remember, just as Jesus sought out the healed man, He is seeking us too. The journey from spiritual blindness to clear vision is not just about seeing. It’s about being found by Jesus and choosing to follow Him fully, just like we aim to help others discover and deepen their faith in our church family at Heritage.

Blessings,

Pastor John Joiner

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