Surely we are not blind? John 9:1-41

John 9:1-41 Gospel reading for Sunday 3rd April 2011

Like much of John's Gospel, there is always more to his writing than what superficially meets the eye. John clearly takes the light / dark imagery to a new level here. Because of the length and complexity of the story, for this week, I'll simply list a series of "random ramblings" ... a mixture of logistical and chronological observations, questions, cultural notes and threads of thinking.

1. The discourse is lengthy it originates in chapter 7, with Jesus attending the Feast of Tabernacles back in Jerusalem. (In John's gospel Jesus goes to Jerusalem at least three times during his ministry as opposed to one according to Matthew, Mark and Luke. See John 7:1-14)
2. There is a continuation of the light theme - note the "I am the light of the world" statement from the previous chapter - see John 8:12.
3. At the centre of the incident is a response to the question about sin. Jesus is therefore again trying to teach the people that disability, suffering or calamity is not a sign of punishment from God for past sins.
4. What a crude methodology ... spitting into the dirt and using the "mud" as the basis of the healing mechanism. What's the symbolism in this?
5. The washing that occurs ... a link to Baptism?
6. The name of the pool (v7)- which means sent - reference to Jesus being sent by God?
7. Jesus again was accused of doing an unlawful work on the Sabbath (v16). Making the mud was classed as kneading - one of over 30 things prohibited on the Sabbath.
8. It is interesting to compare the healing of this blind man with the other blind healings e.g. Bartimaeus. This man asks nothing of Jesus!
9. They did not know the blind man! They had lived alongside this man for years, but they did not know him. They had not taken the time to stop, stoop down and look him in the face.
10. The conclusion to this passage is really found in the next chapter, John 10. When read as one, an additional significant point emerges ... it is not sufficient just to see. One needs to hear and respond! (My sheep hear my voice and follow me.)
11. In all of this Jesus was again attacking the Pharisees, who thought they had all the answers, who thought they could see, but in reality were blind.

Perhaps it is timely for us in Lutheran Schools to carefully hear these words. Perhaps Jesus is directly challenging us today with these questions ... Is there a sense in which we sometimes think we have all the answers with tending to our own spiritual journey, spiritual leadership or spiritual programs for our staff? Is it possible that John's gospel is calling us to re-examine our own attitudes? Surely we in Lutheran Schools are not blind Lord! Jesus was warning the Pharisees - maybe he warns us today also.

In any case we certainly are reminded of the challenge to sit down alongside of, get to know first-hand, get our hands dirty (be Jesus) for that "blind person" in our community.

For further reflection ... I came across this profound prayer by Sarah Foulger, which is the punchline of a magnificent piece of writing on this healing story.  You can access the full story via the link below.

Prayer of the Blind Man’s Neighbour by Sarah M. Foulger

God, who surrounds us with miracles, open our eyes to your presence in our lives. Help us to trust, not solely in our senses, but in our hearts. Teach us to reach out to one another in compassion and love, setting aside pity and fear. Remind us that our flaws and weaknesses as human beings are the very places where you so often touch our lives with grace. Teach us not to blame one another for sadness or illness or calamity but rather, to love one another in every circumstance. Where our vision is impaired, help us to see clearly, to perceive faithfully, to understand deeply. Grant us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to love. Amen.        
 
Nev