Blindness Blinds

Have you spent any time with blind people? If so, have you watched a blind person’s eyes follow a sound and then stare blankly? Then you know the look of futility.

It has been said that there are none so blind as those who will not see. In today’s passage, this fits the disciples. They had a picture of how God’s promised king was going to establish his kingdom on earth. What Jesus was talking about was so far off script that they could only look at him with blank stares.

The blind beggar, on the other hand, had 20/20 vision. He “saw” Jesus’ compassion and so pled for his pity. He “saw” that he had to do what he needed to do, which was to get to Jesus, so he insisted. He “saw” the disdain of the crowd, but didn’t let that deter him. He “saw” that he had to be clear on what he wanted so he asked for sight.

Then Jesus said: “Look and you will see!” He “saw” that he had to “look”. He couldn’t hide from fear by keeping his eyes closed. He “saw” that he had to trust. He had to open them.

Do you think that it is all this “seeing” by the blind man that Jesus declares is the faith that brought his healing? I do.

Now back to the disciples (vv 31-34). With compassion, Jesus is preparing them for what is ahead. Right now, they are blind to what they will see. In just a little while, with spiritually blank stares they will watch unbelievably cruel things being done to Jesus. After resurrection morning, the stares will still be blank as they witness bewildering wonder. But stay with the story. Insight dawns. The blank stares start to fade. They see!!

Respond in prayer

Father, You see everything. With compassion, you look upon the blindness of spirit that holds me back from a full grasp of reality both good and evil. I see dim outlines, but with hope, I look forward to when all will be clear. Through Christ the Lord. Amen.

Keith Elford