Who Do You Think You Are? by Michael Podhaczky

 

What do we see when we read our Bible? Do we merely see what is before us for the day, or do we see the larger context? By way of example, I was reading John chapter ten, and I noticed a continuation of a theme from chapter nine. That is, where Jesus healed the blind person, Jn 9:1-12. Then in Jn 10:19-21, he recorded a division between those who heard Jesus’ teaching, as it described to the healing of the blind person Jn 9:7. On reflection, Jesus was called a demon, in response stating:

²⁰ “And many of them were saying, ‘He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him?’ ²¹ Others said, ‘These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?’” (Jn 10:20-21 NASB).

This miraculous healing of the blind person began a ruckus between some neighbours, religious leaders and even the blind man’s parents in Jerusalem, Jn 9:7, 9,15-34. In chapter nine, Jesus challenged the spiritual sight of those around Him (especially the religious leaders who had no spiritual sight), urging them to believe the man blind person, Jn 9:35-39, 41.

While the blind man was claiming to be healed, the religious leaders reprimanded him, saying,

“‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?’ And they put him out of the Temple” (Jn 9:34 NASB).

The religious leaders were ranting, “Who Do You Think You Are?” They could not see beyond their biases and prejudices, instead of maintaining a distorted view of the person. However, Jesus was looking from a different perspective; a Kingdom of God one. His attitude involved no bias or prejudice towards the blind person, Jn 9:35-39; cf. 10:22-30.

As I read this, I began to wonder about my assessment of others? Do I see those around me through biases and prejudices? Do I consider myself superior, viewing others with eyes of judgement? Or else do I see them from a Kingdom of God perspective? In other words, I need to see them just as Jesus saw the blind man. In addition to this, He continues to see each of us in the same way.

Why no stop right now and ask the Spirit of God to reveal your attitudes towards those around you. To point out if any biases and prejudices are hiding in our heart. Then, once He has shown you your heart, invite Him to align in with God’s Kingdom of God perspective. If there is nothing to deal with, that is great, but we can always become more Christlike in our attitudes.

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…