How many times have I been looking for something, to find that it was right in front of me? As a child, I can remember my mom making a comment when I couldn’t find a certain item. She would say the rhetorical question, “Are you blind?” There are many all over the world that suffer from blindness. Some are born blind, and others lose their sight because of a disease, or a traumatic event. For me, this would be a tragic handicap. To not be able to see the smiles of my family. The sunrise on the lake, or the rising of fog after heavy rain. Just the task of moving through a room would become a huge challenge. I admire those who seem to have conquered and overcome their blindness.
In the Bible, we find several instances where people were healed of their blindness. One such event is in Mark 10:46 – 52. Mark tells us that on the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters Bartimaeus. He was sitting by the side of the road. Probably an area where many were hoping to get help from those who passed by. Bartimaeus heard that was Jesus coming, and by his cry, we know that he believed Jesus was the Messiah. He called out “Thou Son of David.” This title was for the Messiah. It is interesting because Jesus had not been openly revealing His messianic identity. This man wanted his sight and would not quiet down when he was told to by others. Instead, he got louder. This man was not willing to give up on his opportunity to see. It also shows his belief in Jesus, and when Jesus healed him, he confirms that it is his faith that healed him.
Mark 10:46-52 “And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way.
This passage is a beautiful picture of the love and help that Jesus offers, to all who will seek Him. It shows that His power is available to all, not just those of prestige or money. All who will come seeking will find. The most important lesson that we can gain from this is the healing power of Christ on the physical and the spiritual.
There is a blindness that is much greater than physical blindness. It is the blindness of the soul, it is spiritual blindness. Physical blindness may prohibit many opportunities in this life, but spiritual blindness will prohibit opportunities here and the hereafter. In Ephesians 4:18, we see people who are spiritually blind. They have alienated themselves from God by their own design. Their hearts are blind to the saving power and spiritual healing that salvation brings because of their sin, and their desire for it. Their sin has darkened their understanding. The more they indulge in their sin, the thicker the cloud becomes over their spiritual eyes.
Ephesians 4:18 “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”
Some are spiritually blind because they have been following the wrong people. There are many who will teach you a false gospel. When listening to someone tell you about how to become a Christian or how to live a Christian life, make sure it is according to God’s word. Read it for yourself. Check out what they are saying. With all the technology of today, there is no excuse for anyone who has access to the Bible, or the internet, to not know the truth. Find out what the original language says about a certain passage. Don’t pull scripture out of context. Seek and you will find the truth. Luke 6:39 tells us that if the blind follow the blind, they will both fall into the ditch! Don’t be a blind follower. The decision about your spiritual life is the most important one you will ever make. Don’t be blind when it comes to your eternity.
Luke 6:39 “And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?”
If you want to see clearly, you can. All of Christ and His riches are there for you to understand if you will seek Him.
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”
