John 9.39-41

Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?”

“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.”

Before you think too harshly of the Pharisees…

remember that they were fired-up religious people who were serious about God and leading others into worshipping God. They also happened to be on the wrong side of every encounter with Jesus in the Gospels, but still, if they were around today, they would be regarded as ideal church members. They tithed. They had the Bible memorized. They obeyed all the commandments. To the letter.

They sound a lot like many Christians…

don’t you think? And here we see that Jesus was not just wailing on them to vent frustration or make them look bad. He was trying to get through to them just how precarious their position was: they were blind to the truth while at the same time being completely convinced that they had full comprehension of the truth.

Jesus loved them enough to confront them…

and not leave them in their self-deception. Jesus loves us that much too and still carries on the work he came to do – to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.

We all have blind spots…

especially when it comes to the things of God which are always shrouded in mystery. Revelation by definition is a partial uncovering of truth that is hidden, with the greater part remaining hidden. What God reveals to us of Himself is faithful and true, but never complete, and even in its partiality is often more than we can understand or grasp.

Jesus helps us to see our blindness…

then gives us sight. Think about his statement this week of what he came to do, to give sight and clue people in with regard to their (our) blindness. Let the Spirit of Jesus show you your blind spots and give sight to you as you are able to bear.

And Jesus said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? (Luke 9.23-25)

Yesterday we went to Wal-Mart to grab some hot dogs and buns (we’re having a cookout this afternoon). My daughters went over and looked at the clothes, specifically at the patriotic shirts. This one red shirt had the US flag sewn on the front in sequins. Very pretty. Then I thought about how bitterly sad it must have been for that poor, enslaved child to sit there sewing this symbol of freedom over and over again, when she herself does not (and probably will never) enjoy such freedom.

Then I read this blog post by Peter Rollins which is at the same time the most radical position and the one necessary for Christians if they are going to be serious about following what Jesus taught, how he lived, and what his call in this verse means. Reflect this week on what ways the Spirit is calling you right now to take up your own instrument of self-sacrifice for the benefit of others (i.e., your cross). If you ask, the Spirit will point things out to you. Then you will probably need to ask for strength of will and courage to do those things.