In what ways can we ensure we are not spiritually blind like the Pharisees? A Familiar Question, an Eternal Issue John 9:40: “Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this and asked, ‘Are we blind too?’” What Spiritual Blindness Looks Like • Knowing facts about God yet missing God Himself (John 5:39–40) • Trusting religious tradition more than the Word (Mark 7:8–9) • Judging by outward appearance while ignoring the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) • Resisting conviction and refusing to repent (Hebrews 3:12–13) • Praising God with lips while hearts remain far away (Isaiah 29:13) Roots of the Pharisees’ Blindness 1. Pride in personal righteousness (Luke 18:11–12) 2. Fear of losing influence and status (John 11:48) 3. Willful rejection of clear evidence (John 9:30–34) 4. Hardened hearts toward mercy and grace (Matthew 23:23) Practices That Keep Our Eyes Open • Humble submission to the whole counsel of Scripture – Psalm 119:18: “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things from Your law.” – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Continual dependence on the Holy Spirit – John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Quick repentance at the first prick of conviction – 1 John 1:7: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” • Cultivating a teachable spirit through fellowship and accountability – Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Hebrews 10:24–25: encourage one another, all the more as the Day approaches. • Serving the least to keep our hearts soft – Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Daily Habits for Clear Sight • Read the Bible systematically, believing every word is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). • Pray before and after reading, asking for light and obedience. • Memorize and meditate on verses that expose pride and self-reliance (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Examine motives in the mirror of Scripture (Psalm 139:23–24). • Keep a gratitude journal to guard against entitlement. • Participate weekly in worship and the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s sacrifice. The Promise of Ongoing Illumination Revelation 3:18: “I counsel you to buy from Me salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” Jesus stands ready to heal blindness of every kind. As we humble ourselves under His inerrant Word, yield to His Spirit, and walk in practiced obedience, we will see clearly—and avoid the tragic blindness that trapped the Pharisees. |
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