John 9:1-41
How do we react when confronted with hostile people?
“Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for the case to be decided, so that those who don’t see will be able to see, and those who do see will become blind.” The Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “We’re not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be in the wrong. But as it is, because you say, “We can see, you’re stuck in your wrongdoing.” (Sarah Ruden’s translation)
The healing of the blind man (All of Chapter 9) reveals conflict for John’s community as the “disciples of Moses” clash with the “disciples of Jesus” in and around the city of Ephesus. Issues arise when those who were not born Jewish but followed the Way of God through Jesus outnumber the Jewish followers of Moses and Jesus. The Jewish Synagogue officials expelled the pagan followers of God around 90 AD probably because of the threat to the loss of their Torah tradition. John therefore expands the healing of a blind man story to connect the rejection of Jesus with their own rejection in Ephesus. [John’s Gospel speaks to his followers around 95-110 AD (CE).]
John makes the point that those who see may often be blind inwardly. The Pharisees (really the only major school of Judaism left after Jerusalem’s destruction) are certain they are right just as John’s community thinks they are. As we humans often do, we demonize the competitors making them out to be enemies so that we can survive the conflict. Sound familiar?
I wonder if John’s Gospel unconditionally loves the Pharisees as Jesus taught as seen in the other Gospels? And then again if a conflict cannot be resolved, one must shake the proverbial sand off the sandals and go on building a caring community.
Questions for Reflection:
- Conflict is inevitable but how we respond is not. What are the best practices you employ when confronted with differences of opinion, action, or whatever?
- What spiritual disciplines do you use to keep your head in times of argument?
- Where might you be “blind?” How does humility counter our own blindness?
Prayer:
Almighty God, you are the one who overcomes our human failings (sin). Give us the power to extend grace to others as well as ourselves. Let your Holy Spirit lift us up out of our arguments so that we can be a force for understanding, connection, and peace. Or at least, Lord, send such a person when we are caught up in conflict. Amen.
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