John 9:18-41 Who is really blind?

John 9:18-34 John records the discussions between the Jews, most likely the leaders such as Pharisees, priests, and Levites, and the formerly blind man and his parents. The heavy use of irony suggests that this man, at least, had no particular fondness for the legalists. It appears that he starts out uncertain of Jesus' true identity, but through this dialog, convinces himself that at the very least, Jesus was God's representative and empowered by Him. The evidence, combined with the very logic that the Pharisees taught, led him to this conclusion. His parents remain very noncommittal and only speak to the facts. Their son had been born blind and was not now blind.  But they offered no opinion as to how this came to be. They were afraid of being put out, presumably of either the synagogue or the Temple. Which is what happened to their son when he basically insulted the Jews by saying that it was amazing that Jesus did this miracle and they did not know where He came from.

         It is an interesting commentary on the human heart. Perhaps some can only be persuaded by irrefutable evidence, as the man who had been blind from birth suddenly was able to see. And some are not even convinced by irrefutable concrete evidence! It is the by the grace of God that He speaks to us in so many different manners: He draws us through the Holy Spirit directly in our hearts; He offers us the compelling logic that we call apologetics; and He demonstrates to us miraculous works or signs. Yet, if our heart is not open towards Him, all is in vain. The judgment ultimately is not that we committed sin, but that He revealed Himself, and we rejected His revelation, because we do not want Him to be our Lord and King. And then we reject those who declare Him thusly.

John 9:35-41 Jesus draws His relationship to the formerly blind man to its consummation. And He gives the Pharisees the assessment that they are metaphorically blind. It seems odd that He would say that He came to give sight to the blind, but blind those who see. It seemed odd to the Pharisees, who correctly understood that the latter referred to them. The formerly blind man not only saw with his physical eyes, but He recognized Jesus for who He is. Because the Pharisees thought they understood the Law of God, because they were disciples of Moses, they were not open to the God who speaks to human hearts and acts in human lives. If they had no spiritual training, they could not be held accountable for this error, but since they had Moses' teachings, they were guilty of not taking it to heart. Although they are not part of the church, Jesus' words in Revelation 3:18 could be addressed to them. And in fact, since these words were addressed to the church in Laodicea, it appears that even people who acknowledge Christ as Lord can still be spiritually blind. Let him who thinks he sees take heed, lest he stumble. (I Cor 10:12)