A Word from John 9

Have you ever been asked a question about Jesus that you couldn't answer? Or have you wanted to share your faith, but you held back, because you were nervous about "getting something wrong"?

Well, even though it's only natural to be a bit anxious about such things, today's word from John Chapter 9 reminds us: That's not what's really at the heart of sharing our faith. And if we understand what is, I think we'll be more eager to do it.

In today's story (see John 9:1-41), Jesus heals a man who's been blind from birth. And because Jesus did this miracle on the Sabbath, the Pharisees are quite upset. So, they summon the man who's been healed, and they begin to pepper him with questions: "What did this man do to you? Who do you think he is? Why won't you give glory to God, because we know this man is sinner!"

But the previously blind man refuses to get caught up in debate; and instead, he keeps the focus on what he can verify from his own experience: "Whether he's a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind, but now I see!" (9:25)

You see, as a passage we'll be looking at this Sunday reminds us, Jesus promised, "You will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8) And witnesses aren't necessarily "theological answer givers." They're people who joyfully and gratefully give testimony to what they've seen, and heard, and experienced. 

So, I wonder today: What have you seen, and heard, and experienced of the goodness of God that comes to us in Jesus? 

Well, whatever your answer to that question is, may you be able and eager to say, "One thing I  know. I was blind, but now I see!" Amen.