John 9:13-17
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. Therefore, the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” John 9:13-17 (NIV)
Ever been in a group where no one could seem to agree? One ‘side’ wants one thing while the other ‘side’ wants something different. I’d imagine that is what is happening with the Pharisees in these verses.
One group – the hard-liners – are adamant that Jesus is not a good Jew because he does not keep the Sabbath. The other group – the cautious crowd – are a little more hesitant because they know a blind man being able to see again is a pretty big deal.
Is there a time you can remember when two sides couldn’t seem to agree? Maybe a committee you’ve been on or a work project? It’s not a good feeling, is it? Very frustrating for both sides.
It’s easy to know you are right. It isn’t always so easy to see the other side of view. If you’re a hard-liner, the cautious crowd will make you nuts. On the other hand, if you’re more of a cautious person then the hard-liners will make you want to pull your hair out!
How do you reach a consensus? How do you get to the point where you agree on a course of action? It can sometimes take a long time and lots of conversation for even an inch of progress. Other times, things just seem to fall into place and consensus is reached.
Division doesn’t serve anyone – even the Pharisees. They did get on the same page later when they crucified Christ. But it’s not their division or coming together we should be worried about – it’s the division within believers. From disputes within a church - do we add another service? Change the service time? To disputes on a larger stage - politics has entered the room. Right now can feel like a tough time as a Christian. Two very different groups espousing two seemingly opposing views in the name of Christianity.
Which one is right? Mine? Yours?
Does it really matter?
Maybe the bigger questions are: how do we as individuals live as true followers of Christ? How can we come together as Christians?
Questions for Reflection:
- How has politics impacted my faith?
- How can I reach a consensus with someone who is on the other side of the fence?
- How often do I pray about this division?
Prayer:
Lord, I bring the troubles of the world, far and near, to You. Help me discern Your will for my life, my actions, and my faith. All this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.
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