The Man Born Blind

THURS., JULY 6, 1995, 1:27 PM
OFFICE, PULLIAM HALL

The four of you gathered for breakfast and the continuing study of John’s Gospel yesterday morning. The talk about deaths and coming deaths almost took the time that you have to devote to these Scriptures. Continue to initiate the discussion if other talk seems excessive. You Presbyterians are not likely to be overcommitted to Scriptural study. It’s not only important, but you enjoy it, so be sure that you get into the “lesson” when eating time is past.

Now to some comments on the story, one told in considerable detail. But, as you are aware, the most important spiritual thoughts are tucked into the first interchange. John is quite clear in announcing that the man (at least old enough to be called a man) was born blind. His blindness did not come from external disease or accident. He was born with no sight… and, of course, in your day and culture it could be speculated and debated as to what the cause was.

Then came the disciples’ question about the cause: “who sinned, this man or his parents?” Behind such a question is the assumption that such a physical abnormality and disability as blindness is a recompense for sin. This has always been a possibility for the faith community. I forgive sin, but one who sins still may need to pay some “price.” And despite much increase in knowledge about the causes of abnormal physical conditions, and despite the belief that I am a loving God, blindness can be “price” for sin… as can many other conditions that don’t respond to medical treatment and therapy. For example, your less-than-perfectly functioning foot could be because of sin in your life. (No need to try to decide what that would be!)

As Jesus, I didn’t refute or disparage their question. I also didn’t object to the assumption that this blind man could have sinned before his birth. Now this could imply, that he sinned as a fetus, but that’s pretty ridiculous. The other implication is that this man is somewhere in the midst of everlasting life… is not a brand new soul… but, rather, is one with previous life experiences, perhaps here in the earth, with some karmic “debt” that is being satisfied.

Another suggestion from the question is that the sin of the parents, one or both, may need “balancing” by having the experience of a blind child, youth, and grown son. Any of you can be delights… or burdens… to your parents. This is possible… and does happen… in this world of Mine.

But, as Jesus, I didn’t consider the question inappropriate, silly, or blasphemous. I simply replied, “Neither… but that the power of God might be made manifest”… or something like that. Thus, as you have been considering, this answer implies that I caused or allowed this person to be born blind, to live as a bind child, youth, and then man in order that at this moment I might “pull a miracle” and restore sight that had never been experienced in this earth life. The parents had to cope with a blind child and continue to have the burden of a blind adult son… in order that this healing might take place at this time. Would a “good God” do such a thing, or allow it to happen? I must say Yes.