Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: John 9-10
John 9:9
Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
In John 9 we are introduced to an unnamed blind man, there seemed to be some confusion surrounding him, but he cleared it up saying, I am he. To this preacher each person that ever becomes a child of God is like this blind man. We can all say, “I am he.”
Consider:
All are born blind spiritually, vs. 1. This man could not see Christ, but Christ could see him. The writer of Hebrews speaks of being “illuminated” (Hebrews 10:32). This indicates being transferred from darkness (blindness) to light (seeing). Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12) that cures spiritual blindness.
Concerning physical blindness, this man obeyed the Lord’s instructions and then he could see. Jesus told the man: …Go, wash in the pool of Siloam… Likewise, to chase away spiritual blindness, one must believe the preachers/teachers/soulwinners who preach the Gospel of the Word of God. After all, upon Saul’s (Paul) conversion he was commissioned of the Lord to go preach. Jesus told him: To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:18
Others did not understand all that happened to the blind man. It was a miracle. So, too those who are born again of the Spirit through faith in the Gospel have a miraculous change. Others will not understand the difference Christ makes. See verse 20-21, even his parents could not understand that which happened to their son.
This man knew something. In verse 25 the man said: Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Many will never come to Christ because they cannot understand it all. But, salvation is not about understanding it all, it is of faith in it all. I John 5:13 proves that those who are saved can know it. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. He knew he could see. The saved know they are saved.
There was something in this man that wanted to convince others to trust Christ. He said in verse 27, …I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? Those with spiritual sight have a God-given desire for others to see that which they see.
Because of this man’s belief in Christ, he was cast out. (See verse 34) Many who receive Christ, and live like it, are cast out. If and when this happens, remember Luke 6:22, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Also, remember, just like in this man’s life, when cast out, Jesus will still be there. This is pictured by verses 35-38. The Lord found him, taught him and encouraged him.
I don’t know all about you, but for this preacher, “I am he.” For I’ve been through all these steps. Have you?
Dr. William T. Howe
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