Copyright © 2026 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences and synodical women’s organizations provided each post is reproduced in its entirety. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
Read John 9:1-41.
Ironically, when the man born blind wasn’t blind anymore, his community could not recognize him. They were unable to see him apart from his disability.
As he faced escalating levels of resistance, the man’s testimony about Jesus and his work grew clearer. His story demonstrates how one’s loyalty can be sharpened through the experience of facing opposition. As the man was repeatedly questioned about the reality of his former blindness and his newfound sight, it galvanized his recognition that the one who healed him was “from God” (John 9:33), even though that led to his being rejected by his community.
Beyond the rejection came transformation. Jesus engaged the man in one-on-one conversation that led to man to recognize Jesus as not just being “from God” but also as the Son of Man. The man stood in the presence of Jesus with a spirit of openness to Jesus’ word and the work of God. He modeled a stance of faithful discipleship, in contrast to the religious authorities and others in the community who persisted in closed-mindedness.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “Gospel of John: Meetings with Jesus” by Julie A. Kanarr in the March 2019 Gather magazine. Today is the Fourth Sunday in Lent.