John 9:1–17
Dangerous Assumptions
“And his disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents…’” - John 9:2,3 (ESV)
We all know the old saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover," referring to the outward appearances of people. The Bible teaches that God searches and is interested in our hearts, not how good, religious or pious we act.
The disciples made an assumption about the blind man. The prevailing understanding (and teaching) of their time was that suffering and misfortune were punishment for sin, and prosperity was reward for righteousness. Despite how confident they likely were of this "truth", Jesus shattered their understanding of the spiritual order of things and told them they couldn't have been more wrong. The man's blindness was a blessing in disguise purposed to glorify God!
We may inwardly laugh at the disciples' ignorance. Even feel superior. But was the disciples’ understanding of the ways of God really that inferior to our own? What would Jesus tell us we are flat-out wrong about? What spiritual assumptions do we make and how may our assumptions hurt others or our relationships with others? How may assumptions blind us to truths about God, others...and ourselves?
Gracious and merciful Father, forgive me when I make assumptions. Open my eyes that I may better know, glorify and reflect You in this world of blindness. Amen.
David Moorman
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