The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”
People think of all kinds of explanations for the empty tomb. My personal favorite is the mass hallucination theory. The disciples, and the 500 at one time, saw what they thought was the risen Lord. This doubt dates back to the earthly ministry of Jesus and this story in John 18 is a perfect example. The Pharisees saw a man that was born blind healed, on the Sabbath, which was their main issue!. Their solution to the mystery was that he was not blind at all but it was all a show. Their impromptu trial satisfied their minds that he was indeed blind and could now see. Now their question shifted to how. They heard the testimony of the blind man that Jesus healed him. The blind man, not a skilled debater, won the argument by simply saying, I once was blind but now I see.
This shows us two things that will help us in our walk and our witness. We will witness improbable doubt in many people. Some will not believe the evidence of their own eyes if it means confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. The second thing it shows us is that we do not need an MDiv or a Bible College degree to testify for Jesus Christ. We simply need a testimony like the one John Newton wrote in Amazing Grace. I once was blind but now I see.
Dear Lord, thank you for amazing grace and the visible work you did. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church