Amazing Grace

AM Psalm [120], 121, 122, 123 • PM Psalm 124, 125, 126, [127]
Jer. 25:8-17 • Rom. 10:1-13 • John 9:18-41

In today’s reading from John, the Pharisees are questioning a blind man who could now see through a miracle performed by Jesus. These men were very strict Jewish leaders who took offense to Jesus claims to be the son of God. In the NIV, they are quoted as saying, “We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this man, we don’t even know where he comes from,” when talking about Jesus. Even the blind man’s own parents are reluctant to claim the miracle out of fear that they would be punished by the Pharisees.

The last line of this reading is especially interesting to me. Jesus says, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” This reminds me of the verse from Matthew that says, “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. … But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”

Both John and Matthew make it clear that Jesus, and therefore God, do not care how loud you pray or how often you go to church, but rather your intentions. And even if we mess those up sometimes (or all the time), God still gives us grace, and for that I’m grateful.

Written by Tel Johnson

Tel grew up attending St. Paul’s. She currently lives in Little Rock with her cat, Hershel, and works at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.