Miracles Break the Rules
After Jesus heals a blind beggar, the poor guy catches heat from the Religion Police. John 9 enlightens us about life in Christ.
Fullness. The blindman dwells in darkness. Light is another way of referring to God’s fullness. The blind beggar had not a glimmer of hope, until he overhears the disciples talking with Jesus about him. (John 9:1-5) Jesus does not condemn him. Jesus calls Himself the Light of the world. Had the blindman ever heard such words? Never! So, they ignite in him a spark of hope.
Relationship. In John 9:4, Jesus adds a new wrinkle to His repeated claim that He is doing the works of God the Father. He says: “We must do the works,” including the disciples and, by extension, present-day disciples like you and me.
Model. The Father commands every strange detail of the healing miracle described in John 9:6-7: spitting, mud making, smearing the mud on the man’s eyes, telling him to navigate to the pool of Siloam, and even the Sabbath day timing is the Father’s idea. Every detail is contrary to a rule of cleanliness, medicine, etiquette, or religion. Miracles of healing are often contrary to our expectations and rules of decorum. They don’t fit into our churchy boxes. Why does the blind man cooperate? Because of the kindness and hope expressed by the Light of the world (vv. 2-5).
Pushback. As the story progresses, the Pharisees drag the guy into court, accuse Jesus (vv. 24 & 29), and berate the man (vv. 28 & 34). Despite the angry arguments of these learned and religious Pharisees, the man recognizes that Jesus is godly and that God hears Him (vv. 31-33). The conclusion to the story in vv. 39-41 is ironic and powerful. Those who would oppose Christ and His disciples, are blind, so profoundly blind that they are not able to see the Light of the World. And therefore, their guilt remains.
Miracles are messy and controversial. Will we avoid miracles, or will we seek what Jesus is doing today without concern that His miracles will rock the boat?
This is post #13 in an ongoing dialog about the Gospel of John occurring online at www.philbickel.com, Facebook, and Youtube. You’re invited to join the conversation.
A catalyst for the dialogue is a free 97-page ebook by Phil Bickel, Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John, which introduces readers to 10 essential building blocks of life in Christ.
Photos courtesy of www.LumoProject.com, used with permission.