Monday 27 July 2026

Psalm 87

Background
Jesus had restored the sight of a man blind from birth (9:1-7) and our passage today describes an investigation by the Pharisees (also called 'the Jews' in v. 18) into the incident. It's unprecedented (v. 32). The authorities questioned the man, and his parents. All agreed that the change was real, but how was it achieved? Was Jesus' agency demonic or divine?

The Pharisees were divided. Some argued that Jesus acted on the sabbath, in clear breach of the Jewish law. Clearly, therefore, his powers were demonic. Other Pharisees thought the origin of Jesus’ powers should be settled by the outcome of the miracle, which was indubitably good and life-enhancing. Could this be anything but a gift of God?

The blind man himself was cautious. He said that Jesus was a prophet (v. 17) a person called by God, and so to be honoured, but not a threat to the Pharisees. When the Pharisees asked the man's parents how their blind son was now able to see, they avoided the question, shifting the responsibility back on to their son. (They said the Pharisees could ask him direct, as he was 'of age’ means he was at least 13 years old.)

John’s Gospel was written in the late first century and a little beforehand Jewish synagogues had formally agreed to expel any Jews who claimed that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. The parents are portrayed as representing the fear of such exclusion, ostracism and loss of identity. Probably some of John’s congregation were in that category and now ‘see’ themselves in the story.

How do we read this story today? I think this story declares to us that there is nothing in any of our human limitations (of which death is the starkest) that inherently puts us beyond the spiritually transformative love of Jesus, inhibits communion with the Holy Spirit, or prevents participation in the Church’s fellowship and mission.

To Ponder:

• Identifying with the man born blind who became able to see, in what sense have you been blind? For example, has selfish shallowness made you spiritually blind to the gifts and ways of Jesus?
• Like the blind man, have you felt cut off from wider society?
• Have you a story to tell of faith enabling your blindness to be overcome, freeing you for friendship, acceptance, creativity and devotion to Jesus? Have you shared such a story?

Prayer
God, work on us today, healing the spiritual blindness that remains in us, and opening our eyes to the richer, more abundant life that is available through Jesus. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd David Deeks
David is a Methodist supernumerary presbyter, living in Bristol.