City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

³⁹ Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment [to separate those who believe in Me from those who reject Me—to declare judgment on those who choose to be separated from God], so that the sightless would see, and those who see would become blind.” ⁴⁰ Some Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “Are we also blind?” ⁴¹ Jesus said to them, “If you were blind [to spiritual things], you would have no sin [and would not be blamed for your unbelief]; but since you claim to have [spiritual] sight, [you have no excuse so] your sin and guilt remain. 

John 9:39-41(Amplified)

Aisha’s Analysis

In the story of Jesus healing a man born blind depicted in John 9, Jesus healed the man in an unconventional way. He mixed His saliva with clay, rubbed it on the blind man’s eyes, and told him to wash in the pool Siloam which means “Sent.” When the man washed his eyes off, he could see perfectly for the first time. 

While this was a life-changing encounter for the previously blind man and a glorious miracle for God, it angered the Pharisees so much so that they threw the man out of the Synagogue.

This brings us to today’s verses in which Jesus illuminates one of the reasons He came to this world: to judge those who think they can see and to give sight to the blind. A key component of authenticity is awakening to the truth that we need a Savior. We need Jesus. It is upon coming to terms with this reality that we reach a turning point. Turning to Jesus changes everything we know or thought we knew about ourselves. He opens our eyes and awakens us to God’s reality. 

Just like the blind man, in order to see clearly, we must allow God to shape our vision and wash everything else away in the water of His Word.

Application

Being authentic is not only being honest about who you are currently, but it also requires a willingness to submit to who God is calling you to be. 

Where are your blind spots? Usually these are the places in our life where we struggle the most and have a tendency for collisions, so to speak. However, these blind spots can actually be a point of great victory and an opportunity to give glory to God, if we allow Him to open our eyes and go where He sends us. 

In your quiet time, ask God to show you what He wants you to see. Be willing to make any necessary changes and perhaps ask for help from a trusted leader or friend. Wash yourself clean in the water of His Word. Walk in the victory He has won for you. Be authentically you–someone who is called and chosen by God, totally set free from sin and reconciled to God, our loving Father. 

Prayer

Father God, thank You for rescuing me from darkness and transferring me to the Kingdom of Your beloved son (Colossians 1:13). I once was blind, but now I see. Please continue to lead me on the path You have set out for my life. Holy Spirit, thank You for always guiding me into all truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.