333 Words

333 WORDS….

John’s gospel reveals an oft-unrecognized but commendable man, a nameless spiritual dignitary in paltry raiment, whom Jesus approached, not once but twice.

Many pharisees no doubt inwardly sneered when passing this contemptible “who sat and begged”, certain his debilitating blindness was from being “completely born in sins”.

But the man blind from birth could see better than most. He discerned the cold and lifeless hearts of proud and mischievous controllers bundled in impressive religious garments, demanding subservience from inferior laymen.

Our Lord came to where he was, and soon the blind-from-birth had a testimony: “I was blind, now I see.”

Which frustrated the sightless controllers who demanded an immediate renouncement: “What do you say about Him?”

But a renouncement they didn’t get. This beggar, though a lowly beggar, didn’t fold, didn’t cower: “He is a prophet.”

A biting sting.

They demanded from his parents: “How then does he now see?”

They shrewdly ducked: “He is of age; ask him.”

Which they did. And the blind-from-birth hammered them again: “Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples?”

Acid poured over their heads.

The pharisees did what pharisees do…. “They reviled him.”

But our friend didn’t cave: “Why this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He has opened my eyes! Now we know that God does not hear sinners…. If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

“And they cast him out.”

Lord Jesus “found him”, again, and introduced Himself as “the Son of God”.

His childlike response revealed depth of character only Lord Jesus had recognized: “Lord, I believe.”