"Once I Was Blind… Now I See"
John 9:13–34
The healing was undeniable. The man had been blind from birth, and now he could see. But instead of celebrating, the Pharisees began interrogating — not to understand, but to discredit. They weren’t interested in truth. They wanted control.
They kept asking the same questions, hoping for a different answer — but the man stood firm. His testimony didn’t change. In fact, it grew stronger:
“I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?” (v. 27)
That question struck a nerve. The Pharisees were insulted. They called him a sinner. And ultimately, they excommunicated him. But here’s the beauty — while the religious elite rejected him, Jesus had already accepted him.
🔎 Scripture Insight: John 9:13–34
The Setup (vv. 13–17):
The man is brought to the Pharisees. They are upset because the healing happened on the Sabbath. Again. Jesus made mud — that counted as “work.” But instead of focusing on the miracle, they fixated on the method.The Parents' Fear (vv. 18–23):
The Pharisees didn’t believe the man had been blind. So they called in his parents. But his parents were afraid of being put out of the synagogue, so they distanced themselves:
“He is of age; ask him.”
The Courageous Witness (vv. 24–34):
The man’s boldness grows. He doesn’t have all the theology, but he has one truth:
“One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
He even challenges their logic, saying,
“If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”
And for this — he’s thrown out.
💬 Devotional Insight:
Jesus said the man’s blindness was not the result of sin — but so that the works of God might be revealed. That alone should shift how we view trials. Some of the hard places in our lives are not punishment… they are platforms for God's glory.
And look at the transformation: the man goes from not knowing Jesus’ name, to calling Him a prophet, to defending Him boldly before religious authorities. His physical sight is restored, yes — but his spiritual vision is being formed.
This man may have lost his place in the synagogue, but he gained his identity in Christ.
📝 Journal Prompts:
Have I ever been afraid to speak the truth because of rejection or loss of approval?
Is there an area of my life where I feel "in the dark" — that God might be using to reveal His glory?
What has God done in my life that I need to boldly testify about?
🙏 Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for using even the hard places to reveal Your glory. Help me to be bold — not disrespectful, but unwavering in my testimony. Let me never be ashamed of what You’ve done in my life. Even if others reject it or question it, give me the courage to say, “Once I was blind… now I see.” Strengthen my faith, grow my vision, and help me honor You in every response.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
