Can You See?
Posted by: ba <ba@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Fidelity
Can You See?
by Mike Benson
How can anyone not believe in Jesus? There is so
much evidence that proves Him to be the Son of
God. Consider but one piece of testimony from John
9.
Jesus encountered a man who had been blind since
birth (v. 2). Scripture indicates that the beggar
was a well-known figure in the community (v. 8).
Jesus then healed the man. The Lord spat on the
ground, made a clay, and then applied it to the
man's eyes. He then instructed him to go and wash
in the pool of Siloam (v. 7). The blind man found
his way to the pool and washed as he was told. His
obedient response brought about the bestowal of
his vision. John simply - and wonderously says,
"he came back seeing" (v. 7b).
Now note the reaction to this miracle:
. The neighbors asked, "How WERE your eyes
opened?" (v. 10).
. The Pharisees inquired, "How can a man who is a
sinner DO SUCH SIGNS?" (v. 16; cf. 10:21). "The
reality of factuality of the miracle was not under
question. The question concerned how it was done
and what the character was of one who would do
such a work on the sabbath."
. The parents admitted, "We know that is our son,
and that he was born blind; but by what means HE
NOW SEES we do not know..." (vv. 21-22).
. The man himself affirmed, "Though I was blind,
NOW I SEE" (v. 25).
Friends, this cumulative testimony demands a
verdict - the miraculous healing occurred just as
John through inspiration described it. It
therefore serves as certification of the fact that
Jesus was/is the promised Messiah (cf. Isa. 29:18;
35:5; 42:7) - the Son of God (Matt. 16:16).
"...Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to
you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God
through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also
know" (Acts 2:22).
This miracle was recorded in order that you and I
might believe (cf. John 20:30,31)? Do you believe
in Jesus? Can you see (John 9:39)?
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