- by Gabriel Voorhees
“Blind Spots: When We Think We See”
- by Gabriel Voorhees
PART ONE: The Anatomy of a Blind Spot
The Disciples: The Theology of Blame
Jesus and His disciples walk past a man born blind—a fixture in the landscape of broken humanity. The disciples look at him and ask: “Rabbi, who sinned—this man or his parents—that he was born blind?”
They aren’t being cruel; they are being systematic.
They assume God works through a system of retribution.
They assume suffering is the result of moral failure.
They assume blindness is a verdict from heaven.
Jesus’ Correction:
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned. But that the works of God might be displayed in him…”
Jesus doesn't just heal the man; He heals the disciples' vision of God. He moves them from Cause and Effect (Sin → Sickness) to Redemptive Purpose (Brokenness → Glory).
The Pharisees: Religious Vision Without Heart Sight
When the miracle happens, the Pharisees enter as investigators. They peer at the miracle the way a blind man peers into the sun—uncomprehending of its brightness.
The irony is thick: The Pharisees work tirelessly on the Sabbath to prove that Jesus is wrong for working on the Sabbath. Their eyes work perfectly, but their hearts are shut.
The Healed Man: Has no credentials but tells the truth: “I was blind, and now I see.”
The Pharisees: Have every credential but use them to dismantle the truth.
The Great Reversal
Jesus clarifies the nature of judgment: Condemnation is a sentence, but judgment is a revelation. His presence acts as a light that uncovers the reality of every heart.
The World’s PerspectiveThe Kingdom RealityThe Blind Man is a social outcast.The Blind Man is accepted by the Messiah.The Pharisees are the "Sighted" leaders.The Pharisees walk deeper into darkness.Suffering is a sign of guilt.Suffering is a stage for God's glory.Knowledge equals spiritual sight.Humility equals spiritual sight.
“If you were blind, you would not be guilty. But because you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” (John 9:41)
The Two Blind Spots: A Comparison
1. The Disciples: Theological Assumption
The Problem: They misinterpret suffering.
The Result: They look for someone to blame.
The Cure: Seeing purpose instead of causation.
2. The Pharisees: Spiritual Arrogance
The Problem: They misinterpret God.
The Result: They use knowledge as a shield against grace.
The Cure: Admitting they don't have all the answers.
Conclusion: Who Really Sees?
At the end of John 9, only one person walks away truly healed. The Pharisees kept their physical sight but lost their spiritual vision. The disciples had their theology corrected. But the man born blind gained the revelation of the Son of God.
Our Challenge Today:
Blindness is not the absence of eyes; it is the refusal to see. We can be like the disciples (misreading circumstances) or like the Pharisees (relying on certainty).
Spiritual sight belongs to those humble enough to say:
“Lord, without You, I am blind.”