What does "those who do not see may see" mean for believers today? Setting the Scene “Then Jesus declared, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.’ ” (John 9:39) Who Are “Those Who Do Not See”? • The physically blind man in John 9 pictures every person spiritually blind apart from Christ (John 9:1–7). • Scripture says all humanity is “darkened in their understanding” (Ephesians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4). • Admitting blindness is the first step; the Pharisees’ refusal proves the opposite attitude (John 9:40-41). What Does It Mean to “See”? • Sight is granted when Christ opens eyes to recognize Him as Lord (Isaiah 42:6-7; Acts 26:18). • It brings: – Saving faith (John 9:35-38) – A new heart that understands truth (Ephesians 1:17-18) – Ongoing discernment by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) Why This Matters for Believers Today • Humility: We continually confess, “I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25). Pride forfeits clear vision (Revelation 3:17-18). • Assurance: Sight is evidence of Christ’s work; we rest in His finished healing (John 10:28). • Growth: Seeing isn’t static. God “shines in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:6), deepening our grasp of Scripture and holiness. • Witness: Our testimony invites other blind eyes to open (Matthew 5:14-16). • Dependence: We walk by ongoing light, not past experience (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5-6). Practical Ways to Walk in This Vision • Begin each day in the Word, asking the Spirit to clarify truth (John 16:13). • Confess areas where self-reliance has crept in—spiritual pride clouds vision. • Stay in fellowship; godly counsel keeps perception sharp (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve those still “in darkness,” reflecting Christ’s compassion (Luke 4:18). • Guard your eyes from influences that dim spiritual sight (Psalm 101:3). Echoes of the Theme in Other Passages • Isaiah 29:18: “On that day the deaf will hear... the eyes of the blind will see.” • Luke 1:78-79: Jesus guides our feet “into the way of peace.” • 2 Peter 1:9: Forgetting cleansing leads to shortsightedness. • Revelation 21:23: In eternity, “the Lamb is its lamp”—perfect, unending sight. When Jesus says “those who do not see may see,” He promises that every humble heart admitting its blindness will receive clear, saving, and transforming vision—both now and forever. |
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