John 9:24-34 (NRSV)
Read John 9:24-34 on biblegateway.com
Verse 24So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." Verse 25He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." Verse 26They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" Verse 27He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" Verse 28Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. Verse 29We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." Verse 30The man answered, "Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. Verse 31We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Verse 32Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. Verse 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." Verse 34They answered him, "You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?" And they drove him out.
Devotion
The healed man was accused of being a disciple of Jesus. He received this as a loving declaration, trusting that God was at work in the restoration of his sight. In a playful and firm way, the man challenged the critics to see that his healing was, indeed, a sign of God’s surprising presence in Jesus. Do others know that you are a disciple of Jesus? Is there anyone with whom you can share your trust in God today?
Prayer
God of all creation, your love and mercy extends to all people. Help me declare your goodness and your glory in my words and actions today. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.