Blindness is dangerous, be it physical or metaphorical. When a physically blind person walks in front of a car, it is understandable. They cannot see the danger. Is a figuratively blind person equally vulnerable to disaster? We can dismiss a physically blind person for getting themselves into a dangerous position. But can we dismiss an allegorically blind person when they get themselves into a threatening position?
What perspective did Jesus have of those who crucified Him, both the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers? When he was dying on the cross, His infamous words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34a (ESV) Was that true? Didn’t they know they were killing Him? Of course, they did. So how could He mean that? He could say that because they were totally blind to the truth that He was the Son of God.
Notice Jesus’s thinking after He healed the physically blind man. “Jesus heard they had cast him out [of the temple], and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Jesus then said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains. John 9:35-41 (ESV)
Even with the complexities involved in this exchange, it’s apparent that individuals who are mentally, emotionally, or spiritually blind can become aware of their previous blindness. However, their refusal to acknowledge it makes them guilty. So, was Jesus abdicating the soldiers who killed Him, but not the Jewish leaders. They were knowingly rejecting Jesus.
Could it be that those who are exposed to the truth have the opportunity for the Spirit to reveal the truth, making them able to open their eyes? While others remained stubbornly blind and are therefore guilty of the sin they willingly practice?
What can blind a person today? Can things like fear, shock, greed, sexual lust, anger, power, contempt, tradition, etc. blind a person? Most certainly! What might that suggest about believers whose conscience has become calloused, so they continue their unrighteous thinking and subsequent behavior? The prophet Isaiah made a very interesting statement. “Are you amazed and incredulous? Don’t you believe it? Then go ahead and be blind. You are stupid, but not from wine! You stagger, but not from liquor! For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has closed the eyes of your prophets and visionaries [spiritual leaders]. Isaiah 29:9-10 (NLT2)
The longer the blind man experienced his new life through Christ, the more confident he became in the one who had healed him. He gained not only physical sight but also spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus. (John 9:17), When you turn to Christ, you see him differently. By the same token, it is possible for a believer to take God for granted when he/she knew better but continued following their fallen desires instead of beginning to think, respond and value what He values. If you want to avoid blindness and know more about Jesus, keep walking closer to him. Follow each nudge He gives, prompting you to alter something in your life. He purposes each of us to become more and more like Jesus in character, values, and ways.