As the Day Begins

John 9:35-41

Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”
Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Meditation

This passage from John 9:35-41 is an encounter between Jesus and a man who was blind from birth but now sees, both physically and spiritually. The narrative underscores the transformative power of belief in Jesus and the stark contrast between spiritual blindness and sight. Jesus initiates the conversation, seeking out the man who had been cast out by society for testifying to his healing. This act of Jesus finding the man emphasizes the personal attention and care Jesus has for each individual. When Jesus asks the man if he believes in the Son of Man, the man’s response is one of eager openness, “Who is he, sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.” This shows a heart ready and willing to believe, a heart that has experienced the miraculous power of Jesus and is now open to recognizing him as the Messiah.

The climax of this encounter is when the man declares, “Lord, I believe,” and worships Jesus. This moment is not just a recognition of Jesus as a healer but as the Lord and the Son of Man. The man’s worship signifies a deep acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine nature and authority. Jesus’ subsequent statement about judgment—that he came so the blind will see and those who see will become blind—reveals a deeper spiritual truth. The physically blind man now sees in every sense, whereas the Pharisees, who claim to see, are exposed in their spiritual blindness. This passage invites us to reflect on our own spiritual sight. Are we like the man, open and eager to see and believe, or like the Pharisees, blind to the truth of Jesus despite our claims of spiritual knowledge? This narrative encourages a personal examination of faith and an acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord, inviting us to a deeper, worshipful relationship with him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your boundless love and compassion. You sought out the man who had been cast out, demonstrating Your deep concern for each of Your children. Father, I thank You for the times You have sought me out in my own moments of need and isolation. You are a Father who never abandons His children, always ready to restore and embrace. I acknowledge that there have been times when I have claimed to see, yet have been blind to Your truth. Forgive me for my pride and self-righteousness. Open my eyes, Father, to see clearly Your will and Your presence in my life. Just as You restored the sight of the man born blind, restore my spiritual sight. Help me to recognize Jesus in every aspect of my life and to worship Him with all my heart. May my life be a testimony of Your grace and power, leading others to see and believe in Your Son. Amen.

Lord Jesus,
I am in awe of Your compassion and authority. You found the man who had been healed and brought him into a deeper understanding of who You are. Thank You for seeking me out and revealing Yourself to me. I confess that I have not always been open to Your leading. There have been times when I have allowed doubt and fear to cloud my vision. Forgive me, Lord, for my lack of faith. Today, I declare, “Lord, I believe,” and I worship You. You are the Son of Man, the light of the world, who came to open the eyes of the blind. Help me to live each day with my eyes fixed on You, trusting in Your guidance and love. May my worship be sincere and my faith unwavering. Transform my heart and mind to see as You see and to love as You love. Amen.

Holy Spirit,
I invite You into my heart to illuminate the truths of this passage. You are the Spirit of truth who guides me into all understanding. Thank You for Your constant presence and guidance. I acknowledge that without Your illumination, I remain in spiritual blindness. Fill me with Your light and wisdom, that I may see clearly the path You have set before me. Just as the blind man was transformed by his encounter with Jesus, transform my life through Your power. Help me to live in a way that reflects the light of Christ, bringing glory to the Father. Grant me the humility to recognize my need for Your guidance every day. Empower me to live out my faith boldly, sharing the love of Jesus with those around me. May Your presence within me be a beacon of hope and truth to a world in need of Your light. Amen.

Thought for the Day

Reflect on the words, “Lord, I believe,” and let them resonate in your heart. Let this declaration remind you of the transformative power of faith in Jesus and inspire you to live with spiritual clarity and purpose. As you go through your day, remember that Jesus seeks you out, desires your worship, and opens your eyes to His truth.