A Gritty Anointing, Part 1

Jan. 14

Read: John 9:1-10

A Gritty Anointing, Part 1

“Having said these things, (Jesus) spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.” (v.6,7)

Have you ever wondered why Jesus slapped mud on this man’s face? Can you imagine it? How much spit does it take to make mud, and then scoop it up, and finally “anoint” the man’s eyes? Of all the ways that Jesus could heal, why this?

This man had spent his life sitting and begging on the outskirts of society. His blindness meant he could not participate… there was no work for him… no part to play. Many people thought his blindness was a result of his sin or his parent’s sin. This was common, and the very reason why the disciples asked that question of Jesus when they were approaching. (v.1) I am sure this man wondered the same things. I would guess there were times he asked God the same questions; “What did I do? What did my parents do? Is there anyway to be forgiven?” Now consider all of this as Jesus and the disciples approach this man and this miracles takes place. My friend Danny Wike and I had a chance to think about this scene together and over the next couple days I want to share some of the things that God brought to light:

1.) Jesus is not afraid to reach out and touch us where our deepest wounds and hurts are found. He knows what we lack most… what haunts us… what has held us back “since birth”. He intentionally seeks the broken out. The blind man’s other senses would have been heightened, and although he would hear people passing by all day long and speaking around him people would not really touch him. I don’t think the blind beggar man had a lot of physical interaction with other humans - and if he did it was not compassionate or kind. Jesus reaches out and touches the blind man’s face. It is a powerful thing to be touched by Jesus… to come in contact with Christ. Jesus could have just said the word and this man would have been healed, instead he wanted him to experience his touch.

2.) Jesus brings purpose and hope to those who are hopeless. He takes away our guilt and shame. Imagine how this man felt when he overheard the disciples asking Jesus the very same questions the he had wondered throughout his life. The disciples ask Jesus about this man’s sin and look at the answer:

“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (v.3)

Can you imagine how he felt in that moment? The one who had no place in society, no chance to work, no real “purpose”… top find out that God had actually destined you to put on display his power and glory?! To find out that the very thing that had been your burden throughout your life thus far was actually part of a greater plan that involved the miraculous power of God transforming you… what a moment. I am sure he wonder if it was true. "Could this really be happening?” But even greater than the “purpose” being revealed - what about hearing that your blindness was not a cruel or vindictive punishment for a mess up that you or your parents did. There had to be a sort of “setting free” or removing of “guilt” and anger. I believe Jesus intentionally said those things out loud so that this man would hear them!

There is more to this story, but today I want to remind you of this: Jesus knows where you are hurting and the questions you are wrestling with. He is not afraid to approach you or to come near to you. He is not going to “keep his distance” and yell at you from across the marketplace. This man was a “blind beggar” which means he had to swallow his pride and ask for help… beg for help… and rely on others generosity. (v.8) When we swallow our pride… humble ourselves…and ask for help, relying on the generosity of Jesus he comes to us, touches our lives, and makes us new! D you have ears today to hear what Jesus is saying about you? Could it be that some of our difficulties (our “blindness since birth”) are not punishments for sin but actually a part of God’s plan to put on display his power, glory, mercy, and love in US? To those who are in Christ Jesus, he speaks those very same words: “Your sins have been forgiven. Your parent’s sins are not being leveraged against you. The trials you face in this world are not because I am against you or because you have been ‘bad’. These difficulties are opportunities for the Father to do something in you that will resonate throughout all those around you. You are a part of God’s larger plan and purpose in this world.” May the burden be lifted off of us the same way it must have been for that blind man! Even before his site was restored… Jesus restored a sense of dignity and purpose in being known and loved by God. But Jesus doesn’t stop there… the best is yet to come! Love you guys. - JDP