This must be the season of long readings! (And stay tuned, next week is even longer!) For me this reading plays out like a fast paced drama, I want to know what happens next.

I do struggle with the opening, that this man was born blind so that God’s power could be revealed. Now, it doesn’t say that God caused this man to be born blind, whereas the disciples believe (probably culturally) that he is afflicted because either he or his parents sinned. I am so glad we (most of Christianity at least) dont believe this way, but I still think we are trying to figure out why bad things happen, especially to good people.

As the drama continues Jesus isn’t content just healing the guy the old fashioned way, he spits on the ground, makes mud, and spreads it on his eyes! Is this weird? I wonder what the disciples and the other folks standing around thought as they watched this unfold? Maybe he needed an excuse to wash so Jesus made sure to muddy him up good. There are a number of miracles that are messier than others in the bible; Jesus sticks his fingers in someone’s ears, Thomas is invited to put his hand inside Jesus’ wound, just to name a few! Sometimes life is messy, thankfully we have a savior who will get messy with us.

The drama continues with a host of characters. The neighbors think he’s someone else, the Pharisees are consulted as Jesus healed on the sabbath, and even the man’s parents are brought in to prove or disprove what has happened. In the end the man becomes an evangelist. He is so thankful that he has been healed worshiping Jesus is all he can do.

As one would expect, Jesus has some harsh words for the Pharisees. They are religious, but they struggle to adopt something new, Jesus. Maybe they dont think they need any saving and that keeps them from “seeing” Jesus for who he is. May we strive to be like the man, allowing God to move in our lives so that we can experience healing. May we avoid being like Pharisees and pretend as if we dont need help. May we see and hear Jesus and share him with everyone.