Things we make more important than Jesus
In John 9, Jesus approaches a blind man and delivers healing—both physical and spiritual—to him. What happens then and what ensues shows us that maybe not a lot of things have changed in the past thousands of years. As we read through this passage together, we learn that there are three things we are tempted to make more important than Jesus.
Our comfort
Read John 9:1-12
[Jesus] spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the [blind man’s] eyes. “Go,” [Jesus] told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9:6-7 NIV
In a rare moment, Jesus is the first to approach someone who is in need of healing. Seeing this blind man on the road, his disciples enquire with Jesus asking whether the man’s disability was caused by his lack of faith or by his parent’s past sin (as this was a common belief back then. To their surprise, Jesus answered, “neither,” instead declaring that it was all for God’s glory. At that, Jesus proceeded to make mud from his own saliva, place it over the man’s eyes and instructs the man to wash off the mud in the Pool of Siloam (the Pool of Siloam was a place frequented by Jews who were on religious pilgrimages).
When we analysis Jesus’ actions, we find it quite odd that he would use his own saliva to make mud. And then place that mud over the man’s eyes. It’s even more odd that the man didn’t protest at any point of this process. Instead, he went with Jesus’ (outwardly appearing) absurd plan and found healing. He obeyed Jesus and found life.
When we place our trust in God and choose to obey him; it often means doing things that make us uncomfortable. However, like we know from this passage; when we go where Jesus leads, we find healing and life unlike we’ve known before.
Reflection Question:
What are some ‘comforts’ that you often choose over Jesus?
Our social standing
Read John 9:13-34
Then [the Pharisees] turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” . . . A second time [the Pharisees] summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:17, 24-25 NIV)
The people who frequently saw the man were astonished that he now had sight. In their astonishment, the crowds brought the man to the Pharisees who were in disbelief over how a man once blind could now see. They questioned him, wanting to know how this could be, and the man pointed them toward Jesus. In their denial, the Pharisees went so far as to question the man’s parents. But after finding no answer from his parents, they interrogate the man a second time. And once again, the man points to Jesus.
It was no secret how much the Pharisees despised Jesus and anyone who associated themselves with him. Yet, this man—after experiencing the fullness of life that only Jesus provides—gave no thought to his new social standing and attributed his miraculous transformation to Jesus without fear. This was a man who could not deny Jesus. While he could’ve chosen any life for himself now—even a comfortable life aligned with the Pharisees—he chose Jesus. Like this man, let’s not hide our association with Jesus. But boldly declare and attribute every good thing in our life to the Lord.
Reflection Question:
Think of a time where you hid your association with Christ as well as a time where you firmly stood for Christ in the face of social pressures.
Our religion
Read 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?” . . . Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. (John 9:35, 38 NIV)
When the man was kicked out of the synagogue—or essentially excommunicated by the synagogue—Jesus looked for him. Upon finding the man, Jesus asks him a simple question, “do you believe in the Son of Man?” It was without a doubt the man was familiar with the concept of the Son of Man but wanted to know more. So he asks Jesus, “Who is he, sir? . . . Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Unlike the Pharisees, this man had no agenda. He had no religion to hide behind. After a life changing encounter with Jesus, he simply took a position of humility and worship.
This is what’s more important than what the Pharisees had—religion. For the Pharisees were too blinded by their religion—their obsession with legalism, status, and tradition—that they were blind to the heart of our religion; that is, worshiping Jesus. And so while the man could no longer practice his religion in the synagogue, he had something better. He had a right relationship with the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. We too are encouraged not to hide behind our religion. Fundamentally, Christianity is about worshiping Jesus in humility and reverence.
Reflection Questions:
What are ways people have religion without worship of Jesus?
How can we keep each other accountable to continuously worship Jesus?