Tuesday of the Week of Lent V
Today’s readings: Jeremiah 25:8-17; Romans 10:1-13; John 9:18-41
“So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, ‘Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner.’ He answered, ‘Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see’” (John 9:24-25).
The account of Jesus healing a man born blind is tragic. Not because Jesus healed the man, but because the Pharisees were determined to prove Jesus was a sinner and blasphemer. The religious leaders go to great lengths interrogating the man and his parents, aiming to discover some detail to incriminate Jesus.
Finally, the man can only repeat the details and leave the Pharisees to decide for themselves. The man says, “One thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see.” And did the religious leaders come to “see” Jesus as Messiah and Lord? Or did they remain blind to the truth of who Jesus is and why He came? Jesus turned the table on the Pharisees, proving that the blind man does indeed now see, while they remain “blind.” It is a powerful account contrasting seeing and not seeing, believing and not believing, sin and righteousness.
Many of us have been in situations where we have shared the truth about Jesus with someone, only to have them argue, wanting to prove the Christian message false. People who hear the truth but refuse to believe in Jesus. People who have the chance to see Jesus for who He truly is, but choose to remain “blind.” And what do we do in such situations? Don’t argue. Tell them, “One thing I know: I was blind, now I see!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that through the ministry of family, friends, pastors and fellow Christians, I have come to see and believe that you are Son of God and Savior! Amen.
Lenten Response: What new insight or learning has been revealed to you through your Lenten devotion? Share this with someone else.
Today’s devotion was written by the Rev. Dr. David M. Wendel, Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry and Ecumenism.
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