Scripture Reading: John 9:18-41

Spiritual Blindness

John 9:39 quotes Jesus, saying, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
The Pharisees did not get Jesus’ lesson and thought Jesus was talking about our physical eyesight. They sneered and said, “What? Are we blind too?” We Christians on the other hand, gladly pat ourselves on the back and think, “Fortunately I am not a Pharisee. I understand what Jesus was talking about. I understand the lesson.” Are we so sure? It is not for no reason that Jesus warned us to “first take the plank out of our own eye” (Matthew 7:5) before we think of removing the speck from our brother’s eye. How often are we blind to our own blindness?
After years of trying to talk to my brother about the Good News without success, I resorted to mail-ordering him a book on the Gospel. As a physicist and an engineer, my brother is a rather logical and self-sufficient man. I figured this book was so logically written, he would see the point. His response was quite sobering: “Sometimes I envy you who believe. I just can’t.” I felt so sad to hear that, but at the same, more than ever I realized what a gift I had received. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Prayer: Dear Lord, my faith is not mine. It is only by grace that I have been allowed to enter into your peace. Please also help my brother (and many others for whose salvation I am praying) to see and enjoy the Good News. Forgive me for the times when I behave like a Pharisee, for I cannot help it. Thank you for sending Jesus who cleansed my sin. Amen.