John 9:37-38
Using few words, a lot is expressed here.
The situation has Jesus standing face to face with the man He had healed by giving sight to; a man born blind. This man has only just begun to see the world, to take in his surroundings and to match faces with the voices he has been hearing all of his life. Everything is new!
He is now looking into the eyes of the very person who gave him his ability to see. This man who healed him, Jesus; came not to interrogate but to connect in real, compassionate love.
Jesus speaks:
“Do you believe IN the Son of Man?”
“Who is he sir?” The healed man asked.
“Tell me so that I may believe in him” he continued.
(I’m fairly certain Jesus was smiling. I also think Jesus was speaking in a very quiet tone of voice, looking intently into the healed man’s eyes.)
Jesus said:
“You have now seen Him; in fact, He is the One speaking with you”
I can feel the sense of wonder, amazement and total gratitude surging through the healed man on hearing this statement. Think about it, this man had been blind and when he met Jesus, the only connection happened when Jesus spoke “Go wash in the pool of Siloam”. He knew Jesus by voice recognition only. The connection with Jesus was brief; as he was immediately led away by helpers to wash and afterwards he went home SEEING.
Jesus was not at the pool where he received sight, so the only way the healed man knew Him was by His distinctive and memorable voice. THAT voice was now right here with him. It came from a face with eyes of kindness and hope asking “Do you believe?”
(I’m betting the answer came to mind before the words…Do I believe?! I do believe!)
“LORD, I believe!”
“LORD, I believe!” he said and right there he fell down before the One who had healed him, the One who came to check on him, the One who is the Son of Man. He worshiped Jesus.
I cannot grasp the immense power and mercy occupying the space between Jesus and the man He healed! He stood toe to toe with the Savior and yet all of that power was poured out and communicated in love. Then to consider this same power + love is here for us…today.
