Fourth Sunday in LENT

Suggested Readings:

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Psalm 23

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41

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There is a familiar pattern in the stories from John’s gospel. In the narratives of Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and the man born blind there is a pattern of maturing understanding as to who Jesus is. All three stories begin with an encounter with Jesus. Nicodemus understands that Jesus is a teacher, the woman at Jacob’s well and the blind man have no idea who they are speaking with. In each case faith develops as the encounter with Jesus unfolds in the lives and circumstances of those who meet Jesus.

The disciples show a common understanding of sin and illness, when they asked who sinned this man or his parents. Jesus dismisses that concept and announces that this man’s malady is to show God’s power. John’s gospel opens with the announcement that the Word is the light of all people and darkness cannot overcome the light (John 1:4-5). Jesus uses the encounter with the blind man to reinforce the fact that he is the light of the world. Jesus will overcome physical as well as spiritual blindness.

The healing leads to ongoing controversy and pushes the formerly blind man into a bold statement of faith. When he is first asked who healed him, he knows him only as “The man called Jesus” (9:11). As the controversy escalates the man’s understanding of Jesus evolves. At the end of his first interrogation, he has moved from knowing him only as “the man Jesus” to declaring “He is a prophet” (9:17).

During his second interview the religious leaders tell him to give God glory, for this man is a sinner. His response, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (9:25) The Pharisees refuse to believe him and again ask him to recount how he was healed. He becomes more forceful in his reply, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (9:30-32) Enraged by his challenge the religious hierarchy drives him out of the synagogue.

The story concludes with Jesus seeking out the man and revealing himself to him as the “Son of Man.” The formerly blind man now sees clearly and makes a simple affirmation, “I believe.” His confession is in stark contrast to the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders who refuse to accept the Messiah.

We are all on a journey. This journey calls us to move from darkness, blindness, to sight, light. A journey is one step at a time. We do not always see where the journey is taking us, but we trust the one who leads the way.

Paul to the church at Ephesus, For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— (Ephesians 5:8 italics added)