Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9:37-38 (NIV)
In the 1980s, it was not uncommon for anyone living in Bloomington, Indiana, to see a certain rock and roll celebrity about town. But one day, as I was working in the local mall, the gentleman with his entourage came into the store. I confess I was star-struck to come face-to-face with the person whose music I’d enjoyed so much. I don’t know what I expected, but the person I met was flesh-and-blood, like me, except way more popular.
Now, imagine the blind man in John 9:35-38. For years, he had lived in darkness, depending on the kindness of others and likely feeling invisible. Then, one day, a man named Jesus heals him, restoring his sight. However, the true revelation comes when Jesus reveals His identity. The man was not just meeting a celebrity but encountering the Son of God. This encounter was life-changing, not just because of the physical healing but because of the spiritual awakening and the recognition of Jesus' divine nature.
Meeting a celebrity might leave us star-struck for a moment, but encountering Jesus is a revelation that transforms our lives forever. As believers today, we experience a similar transformation when we accept Christ. As John 1:12 (NIV) says, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Just as the blind man's physical and spiritual eyes were opened, our belief in Jesus opens our eyes to a new reality, granting us a personal relationship with Him and a place in God's family.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of spiritual sight and for revealing Your Son, Jesus, to us. Just as the blind man received his sight and recognized Jesus as the Son of God, we pray that our eyes may be opened to see and know You more deeply. Help us to live as Your children, transformed by Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
