Spiritual Blindness
35When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
36The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.”
37“You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!”
38“Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
39Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
40Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?”
41“If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.
Who gives sight? Jesus of course. Spiritually, and physically, Jesus gives all sight. But if you do not admit you are spiritually blind, Jesus cannot and will not give you sight. And notice that we are not just talking about spiritual wisdom or understanding here. Jesus says the Pharisees “remain guilty because you claim you can see.” He didn’t say you remain blind, but that you remian guilty.
Humility is one of the requirements to have a relationship with God and receive the gifts and strength he has to offer. Just as you are unlikely to buy milk at the grocery store when you think you have 5 gallons at home, even if it is a good price, you are unlikely to accept the spiritual and physical gifts the Holy Spirit brings to your life if you don’t think you need them.
Lord, open my eyes to my weakness and need, then open my heart to your strength and bounty. Lead me to live in your grace and abundance with joy and enthusiasm. Change me Lord, change me. *obbs*
