LENTEN DEVOTION FOR MONDAY, MARCH 10

Later Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you have been made well! Do not sin any more, so that nothing worse happens to you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. (John 5:14-15) So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again?" (John 9:24-27)

Several years ago, I took some classes on the gospels. One of the assignments was to contrast the reactions to being healed between the man on the mat in John chapter 5 and the blind beggar in Chapter 9. The ends to the stories are above.

In Chapter 5, we meet a man who has been waiting for healing for 38 years, and though he makes every reasonable effort, ensuring that someone will get him to the pool each day, he isn't healed until Jesus comes by and basically tells him to get up and get going. Surprisingly, he can. When confronted by the authorities for carrying his mat on the Sabbath, he knuckles under, tells them what they want to hear and later, even tells on Jesus.

The beggar in Chapter 9 is very different. After Jesus puts mud on his eyes, he finds his own way to the fount. Jesus doesn't take him and doesn't deputize a disciple to help him. He might get lost, or disoriented, step in donkey dung, and will probably face questions about how he got mud on his face. Well, he goes onward anyway.

When the impossible happens, he regains his sight. His parents run out on him, and he is faced with the same question as the man in Chapter 5. Instead of doing what he should do, he challenges and questions. When he finally meets Jesus, he worships him.

I hate to admit it, but I'm a lot more like the man who works the system and plays it safe. I'm more like the man in Chapter 5 and less like the joyous and resourceful beggar in Chapter 9.

Gracious God, in this time of Lent, a time when we can focus on your call asking us to change, please help us to be brave and trusting, and to support our brothers and sisters who are doing the same. Amen.

Terry Chaney