Thoughts on the Gospel of John (76) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

And Jesus said, For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind. Then some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these words, and said to him, Are we blind also? Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, We see. Therefore your sin remains.
John 9:39-41.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (76)
The final verses of our chapter clarify the spiritual message it contains: Jesus did not come into the world primarily to heal physical troubles, thus doing good to mankind. He was concerned about the soul's salvation. So here He contrasts the spiritual state of those who can see with that of those who cannot.

Most people are convinced that they see clearly: they are content with their religion, or they live according to their tradition, or rest firmly on the latest scientific discoveries.

In reality, however, they are blind, failing to recognise their sinfulness and the Man Christ Jesus, whom God sent "to take away our sins" (1 John 3:5). For such the consequence of Jesus' incarnation is judgment. "If I had not done among them the works that no-one else did, they would have no sin, but now they have seen and also hated both me and my Father" (John 15:24).

"Are we blind also?" the Pharisees asked . Had they simply admitted it, they would have experienced the grace of the One whom God had sent. Then the Saviour would have taken away their sins.

What does the last book in the Bible say about the decline in Christendom? "Because you do not know that you are poor, blind, and naked, I counsel you to buy eye salve that you may see" (Revelation 3:17.18).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Exodus 16:13-30 · Luke 7:18-23