Teaching the Unteachable

God's Creative Word
The Word Is Here and Now
Healing the Blind Man

John 9:24-34

The Message

 ²⁴They called the man back a second time—the man who had been blind— and told him, "Give credit to God. We know this man is an impostor."
 ²⁵He replied, "I know nothing about that one way or the other. But I know one thing for sure: I was blind . . . I now see."
 ²⁶They said, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
 ²⁷"I've told you over and over and you haven't listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Are you so eager to become his disciples?"
 ^28-29With that they jumped all over him. "You might be a disciple of that man, but we're disciples of Moses. We know for sure that God spoke to Moses, but we have no idea where this man even comes from."
 ^30-33The man replied, "This is amazing! You claim to know nothing about him, but the fact is, he opened my eyes! It's well known that God isn't at the beck and call of sinners, but listens carefully to anyone who lives in reverence and does his will. That someone opened the eyes of a man born blind has never been heard of—ever. If this man didn't come from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."
 ³⁴They said, "You're nothing but dirt! How dare you take that tone with us!" Then they threw him out in the street.

For Reflection 

Such arrogance!  So dedicated to the rules of righteousness.  So dedicated, in fact, that in following the traditions and the rules they violate God's intent.  Can you tell the difference when you respond from tradition instead of seeing each new challenge as an opportunity to understand?

Pray

that you will live in reverence and obedience to God's will.  Pray for the wisdom to temper your understanding of your faith with an eagerness to serve in obedience and love.